New cultural grant schemes for Mayo festivals and museums welcomed by Minister Dillon

Minister of State Alan Dillon has welcomed the launch of a number of new cultural grant schemes which he says could bring significant opportunities for festivals, museums and community groups across Co. Mayo.

The funding initiatives were announced by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and form part of its strategy to expand public access to the arts and Ireland’s National Collections.

Minister Dillon said the schemes represent a major opportunity for the county’s cultural sector, highlighting Mayo’s strong tradition of festivals, heritage organisations and community arts initiatives.

“Mayo has one of the strongest cultural identities in the country, with festivals, arts organisations, museums and community groups that contribute enormously to local life and tourism,” he said. “These schemes open the door for more funding, more events, and more opportunities to showcase Mayo’s creativity and heritage.”

Among the supports now open for applications is the Small-Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme, which is aimed at assisting smaller cultural events that may not qualify for funding from larger bodies such as Fáilte Ireland or Arts Council of Ireland. Grants of up to €5,000 are available under the scheme, with applications closing on April 2, 2026.

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Another initiative, the Co-operation with Northern Ireland Scheme, will support cultural projects that involve cross-border collaboration. The programme aims to enhance or celebrate the artistic, musical, film and heritage traditions of the island of Ireland through projects developed on a North–South basis. Grants of up to €15,000 are available.

Funding is also available through the Mobility of Collections Scheme, which supports the transport, insurance and exhibition costs involved in bringing items from Ireland’s National Collections to museums and cultural institutions around the country.

Meanwhile, the Regional Museum Exhibitions Scheme provides capital funding to help museums improve exhibitions, increase visitor access and strengthen their role as tourism attractions in their local areas.

Minister Dillon said the schemes will play an important role in supporting Mayo’s cultural tourism sector.

“These initiatives will help bring more visitors into our towns and villages, support local artists and cultural workers, and ensure that Mayo continues to be recognised as a county of rich heritage, creativity and community spirit,” he said.

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He also encouraged organisations across the county to explore the funding opportunities and submit applications.

“I strongly encourage Mayo’s festivals, museums, arts groups and community organisations to explore these schemes and submit applications. They are designed to be accessible, practical and impactful, exactly the kind of support that can elevate local events and strengthen cultural life across the county,” he added.