Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
152. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department will consider providing special additional funding support to a festival (details supplied), which will celebrate the unique milestone of 30 years in existence in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4130/26]
View answerI am aware of the Baboró International Art Festival for Children and I congratulate the Festival on their 30th anniversary this year. The Festival provides a welcome introduction to the arts for young children and and opportunities for performers. It is a significant milestone to have achieved 30 years.
I understand that the Festival has traditionally been funded by the Arts Council, which is, of course funded directly by my Department. The Council announced funding of over €430,000 for the festival in 2026 which represents significant support.
While my Department operates an annual grant scheme to support Small Scale Local Festivals & Summer Schools, this scheme is more focused on small community based festivals. The 2026 scheme is expected to launch in the coming weeks and the guidelines regarding eligibility will appear on the Departmental website. The assessment of applications is done on a competitive basis by an assessment committee having regard to demand and the availability of resources..
The scheme is designed to support small local cultural festivals and summer schools which are not in receipt of other central Government monies and which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies. Events which are funded by the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland are not eligible.
The objective of the scheme is to assist in achieving the Department's objective for supporting and developing engagement with and in, the arts, culture and creativity by individuals and communities, enriching lives through cultural activity. Projects funded under the scheme must enhance access to the arts, culture and film sectors recognising the social and economic role of these sectors in Ireland.
