Galway City Council, in partnership with the Creative Ireland Programme is delighted to announce the launch of the Creative Ireland Open Call 2026, inviting community groups, cultural organisations, artists, creatives, and cross-sector partners to submit proposals for imaginative and collaborative creative projects taking place throughout 2026.
The Open Call supports Creative Ireland’s national vision to enable every person and community to realise their full creative potential, fostering wellbeing, strengthening cultural expression, and encouraging inclusive participation.
In Galway, a city globally recognised for its rich culture, heritage, and innovation the programme seeks to nurture ambitious projects that bring people together, ignite creativity, and enrich the city’s vibrant creative ecosystem.
Funding provided will range from €1,000 to €5,000. Applications are invited from Community and voluntary groups; Cultural organisations, venues, and festivals; Artists, writers, makers, performers, and creative practitioners; Youth groups and neighbourhood organisations and others contributing to creative engagement.
All proposed activities must take place within Galway City during the 2026 calendar year. All projects must demonstrate collaboration, innovation, and ambition, include community engagement, and involve the work of creative practitioner(s). Proposals should align with the Galway Culture & Creativity Strategy 2023–2027.
Galway City Council encourages applications from groups who may not have previously engaged with the Creative Ireland programme, particularly those interested in exploring new and innovative ways of connecting communities through creativity.
Applications must be submitted online via Galway City Council’s application portal: Creative Communities Application Form 2026. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Galway Culture & Creativity Strategy 2023–2027 before submitting. For further information or queries, please contact creativeireland@galwaycity.ie