Following the July meeting of Meath County Council, the Arts Office is pleased to announce that a total of 29 awards were recommended across 4 streams of funding: the Arts Sector CPD Fund Round II, the Community Arts Award, the Drama League of Ireland Bursary and the Schools Musical Instrument Purchase Scheme. 

These awards, together with the earlier Spring Funding Cycle, has seen support paid to 90 different artists, arts groups, community groups and schools across County Meath towards the development and sustainment of artistic activity in 2021 and represents a major boost for the arts locally.

The arts sector has been one of the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Meath Arts Office has, through these funding cycles, and a suite of other artists’ supports, focussed on helping local arts practices adapt and continue throughout this difficult period.

The 29 Summer Funding Cycle payments included 16 awards to schools throughout the county for the procurement of musical instruments via the Schools Musical Instrument Purchase Scheme.  This scheme has been a longstanding successful tradition of Meath Arts Office in helping to ensure the young people of the county are continually offered opportunities in musical education and enjoyment.  In the past 10 years, one hundred national and secondary schools have received grants payments through this scheme, enabling banks of musical instrument to be developed in schools across the county.

Since 2011 there have been 34 Community Arts Awards issued which have helped community groups and schools engage with professional artists to facilitate creative projects which enhance long term partnerships between the community and arts practitioners.  This award has been accessed by such diverse groups as Mens’ Sheds, Gaelic Football Clubs, Family Resource Centres, Tidy Towns Committees and schools.

Funding artists, arts activities and development is a key strategic objective of the Meath County Arts Development Plan 2019 – 2024.  Meath Arts Office 2021 grants were bolstered by Creative Ireland funding and funding received through the Arts Council of Ireland.  To be kept up to date with funding and other local arts sector opportunities; please contact the arts office to be added to the mailing list: artsoffice@meathcoco.ie.