County Wicklow is colloquially known as the Garden of Ireland, owing in a large part to a unique landscape steeped in culture and heritage. The topography of the county is diverse, including mountains, seascapes, woodlands, wetlands and heritage attractions dating back to ancient times. In recognition of the contribution that this cultural heritage makes to enrich the lives of all in the county, Wicklow County Council has developed a strong framework for cultural services provision to advance key areas such as architecture; tourism; urban and rural planning; the public realm; and social, community and economic development.

The Council recognises the value of creativity as part of our cultural services provision and, through the Creative Ireland Programme aims to build partnerships and increase opportunities for communities all over Wicklow to engage with their cultural heritage in ways that are innovative, ambitious and dynamic.

Wicklow is home to a vibrant community of artists and practitioners working across a wide range of artforms. Much has been achieved in the county since the establishment of the Arts Office to reinforce locally the benefits and the merits of ambitious arts practice and participation. We now have a strong framework for supporting the role of the arts in the development of healthy and creative communities.
The Creative Ireland Programme enables us to forge ahead with new purpose and financial investment that building on the strong framework already in place enhancing the cultural life of the county in new ways. This is creating tangible benefits for the wellbeing and enrichment of the county and Creative Wicklow will continue to build on the knowledge and insight gained from Wicklow’s first Creative Ireland Programme in 2017.