(L to R) Cllr Jason Mulhall, Cllr Peter Stapleton, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman, Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District Cllr. Avril Cronin, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Wicklow County Council Arts Officer Jenny Sherwin, Cllr Patsy Glennon and Cllr Pat Mahon.
Photo credit: Mick Kelly.
Following the success of the initial three-year programme (2022–2025), which saw an investment of €375,000, the Arts Council has awarded €170,000 to support the next phase of development in Baltinglass.
Creative Places was established in 2019 by the Arts Council to provide sustained arts development in underfunded areas. In Baltinglass, the programme has energised the town as a hub of social creativity, bringing together community groups, schools, families, and individuals of all ages to collaborate with artists. Highlights to date include residencies, artist development, training, and community events such as Cruinniú na nÓg, Culture Night, and the much-loved Sitting Room Sessions. New initiatives like Baltinglass Sings, a community choir of 65 members, The Biddies of Baltinglass women’s group, and the flourishing Tearmann Community Garden have further rooted the programme in the heart of local life.
The next two years will continue to build on this strong foundation, with a focus on community participation, artist collaboration, and long-term sustainability for the arts in Baltinglass. A new Community Creative Activation Fund has also been launched to support projects led by artists, schools, and local groups, ensuring that creativity continues to thrive across the town.
Please see more info on how you can apply to the new Community Creative Activation Fund below.
Want to find out more and get involved in Creative Places Baltinglass? Fill in the form below and a member of the team will be in touch.
