The Arts Council has announced more than €3 million in funding for arts organisations in County Limerick under its 2026 development programme, reinforcing continued investment in Ireland’s cultural sector. The funding forms part of a wider national allocation of €72.3 million awarded to 148 arts organisations, arts centres, local authorities, and creative initiatives across the country.
Limerick-based organisations will collectively receive €3,069,760 in Arts Council funding for 2026. Nine organisations in the county are among the recipients, reflecting the region’s strong contribution to Ireland’s arts and cultural landscape. The funded organisations include the Irish Aerial Creation Centre, Fresh Film, Dance Limerick, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, EVA International, Limerick City Gallery of Art, Limerick Printmakers, The Lime Tree Belltable, and Limerick City and County Council.
This investment represents more than half of the Arts Council’s annual funding and supports organisations that provide essential local and national infrastructure for the arts. The funding framework enables individual artists and creative practitioners to realise ambitious artistic visions while ensuring audiences across Ireland can access diverse and high-quality cultural experiences.
In addition to funding for County Limerick organisations, communities nationwide will continue to benefit from the work of national arts bodies based elsewhere, including Arts and Disability Ireland, Irish National Opera, Na Píobairí Uilleann Teoranta, Children’s Books Ireland, and Dance Ireland.
Further funding announcements for 2026 are expected in due course, with additional allocations planned to support disability access costs and promote more inclusive participation in the arts sector.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of public investment in sustaining the arts across Ireland. He noted that the grants support artists and organisations in delivering ambitious creative work while ensuring people of all ages and backgrounds have meaningful opportunities to engage with the arts in their daily lives.
Arts Council Director Moling Ryan said the 2026 budget prioritises stability and long-term planning for arts organisations nationwide. He emphasized that the funding will enable artists, audiences, and communities to come together through shared creative experiences and vibrant cultural activity throughout the year.
