Cork County Council launches ‘Native Pageant Fund’ grant scheme

Cork County Council have launched a brand new funding scheme for festivals in 2023.

The native authority are inviting functions for funding underneath the Cork County Native Pageant Fund 2023, a aggressive grant scheme to assist the event of festivals that drive home tourism in Cork County and assist to enhance the customer expertise.

A complete of €65,000 is offered and candidates can apply for funding as much as a most of €6,000 per pageant.

Welcoming the opening of the scheme, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins mentioned: “I’m delighted to announce that the Cork County Native Pageant Fund 2023 is now open and can allow the internet hosting of a few of Cork’s greatest and most unusual festivals within the months forward. Not solely are festivals an vital a part of our cultural id, however they’re additionally vital financial drivers. 

“In addition to entertaining and bringing native communities collectively, native festivals have the potential to draw hundreds of tourists to expertise all that Cork County has to supply.”

75% of funding underneath the grant scheme is supplied by Fáilte Eire, with Cork County Council offering match funding of 25%.

Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals at Fáilte Eire, mentioned: “Festivals and occasions play a key position in delivering sensible customer experiences, offering a novel motive for guests to decide on a vacation spot and rising footfall for native companies, supporting jobs and income technology. Home tourism shall be vastly vital once more this yr as we work in direction of restoration. 

“Managed by Cork County Council, the Native Pageant Fund will assist festivals that drive home demand and improve the customer expertise throughout Cork County.”

A pageant could also be eligible for funding underneath the Native Pageant Fund, whether it is held throughout the boundaries of Cork County, attracts home guests, improves the customer expertise and generates a minimal of 250 customer bed-nights in paid lodging.

The pageant should even have a minimal expenditure of €7,500 and reveal a dedication to sustainable greatest practices.

Chief Govt of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: “Cork County Council has this yr positioned an elevated emphasis within the Native Pageant Fund software course of for festivals that consciously cut back their influence on the atmosphere.”

Help measures shall be delivered to assist festivals to succeed in this purpose.

On-line functions shut on January 19.