Fingal makes funding available for 2022 festivals and events

The vital role that arts and culture plays in the community has been recognised by Fingal County Council, as it announced that it was once again inviting groups and organisations in the County to apply for much needed financial assistance.

It is hoped that the funding - which will be considered for festivals and events taking place in 2022 – will be a welcome boost for groups who have faced a number of setbacks and challenges in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The County has a strong tradition of hosting events and festivals, many of which attract visitors from outside of Fingal and which bring significant benefit to the local tourism economy as a result. The new funding was passed at this week’s Council meeting, with Councillors praising the fund for being put in place to help encourage and support community groups.

Fingal’s Director of Tourism and Cultural Development at Fingal, Emer O'Gorman said: “We know that supporting events and festivals right across Fingal not only has an economic benefit, but that it also helps to better connect communities and enrich people’s lives. That will be particularly important as we look to shake off the extremely challenging times we’ve all faced and begin to look forward to an exciting calendar of events to enjoy next year.”

There are three strands of support under the new financial package, each with a different level of funding:

• Strand 1: will be targeted at smaller scale events, suitable for those that would attract audiences of less than a 1,000 people. That would see a maximum of €4,500 being made available.
• Strand 2: for larger events that attract audiences of more than 1,000 people, with funds of up to €15,000 available.
• Strand 3: is targeted at those groups looking at feasibility and long-term sustainability of a festival or event, with grants of up to €7,500 made available.

More details on the different strands that are available and what is required when applying for funding can be found on the Council’s website: https://www.fingal.ie/festivalandevents2022.

Successful applicants must also attend Fingal County Council’s Festival and Events training module (to be held in March 2022) which will include topics such as marketing, communications and insurance, Fingal County Council brand guidelines and health and safety.

The closing date for applications is 4 February 2022.