This exciting extension of the programme was announced by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD today (8th February).

Established as a legacy initiative of the hugely successful Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, the unique Creative Ireland Programme enjoys the accolade of being the only programme of its kind in the world.

Creativity for the individual, the community and the nation

At the core of the programme is the founding vision that creativity must be at the very heart of public policy and that participation in cultural and creative activity effectively promotes the wellbeing of the individual, the community and the nation at large.

Collaborating across government and in tandem with arts, community and voluntary organisations, the Creative Ireland Programme deploys creativity as a vital strategy for wellbeing, social cohesion and economic success.

In addition to the highly successful Creative Youth initiative, the programme’s Creative Communities partnership with 31 local authorities – delivering an impressive 5,700+ creative projects to date – has been central to enabling that all-important community-led nationwide engagement.

"The Creative Ireland Programme is the only programme of its kind in the world"

Innovative, effective, creative

Speaking about this proposed five-year extension, Minister Martin said:

“I warmly welcome the Government’s decision to implement the all-of-government Creative Ireland Programme for another five years, and to work with me in the coming months to develop its framework. This programme has been innovative and effective in delivering the opportunity for people to explore their creative potential. Key initiatives such as Cruinniú na nÓg and Creative Schools have become embedded in the country’s cultural infrastructure. New projects that respond to contemporary social issues such as climate action and loneliness have emerged. With the support of my Cabinet colleagues, I look forward to developing a Creative Ireland Programme that will continue to enhance people’s lives in the coming years.”

Set to continue for a further five years, encompassing the period 2023-2027, the Creative Ireland Programme will focus on the following areas:

• Creative Youth
• Creative Communities
• Creative Industries
• Creative Health and Wellbeing
• Creative Climate Action and Sustainability

It is anticipated that a final framework of Clár Éire Ildánach/Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027 will be brought to Government for its final agreement in Autumn 2022 prior to its publication, launch and implementation on an all-of-government basis.