The Arts Council believes that cultural interaction enriches the arts in Ireland by offering opportunities for mutual sharing, questioning, learning, understanding and change. It recognises that Irish society is made up of different strands and identities, which are constantly shifting, and that the process of interaction involves change for all involved, not just for those from new or minority communities. The Arts Council understands the term ‘Cultural Diversity’, as it applies to the arts, to encompass inclusive arts programming and, most particularly, intercultural arts practice that involves artists and/or communities from a range of national, ethnic or cultural groups.

Financial Support

The majority of organisations funded through arts participation actively promote cultural interaction to some degree as part of their programmes. In addition, other funded organisations such as arts centres, local authorities, festivals, and production companies have an important role in engaging individuals and communities from diverse cultures as artists, participants and audiences. 

The Arts Council offers a wide range of financial supports across artforms and arts practices. These supports, direct and indirect, are described in detail on our Available Funding page. They include the bursary award, project awards, and a specific strand in the Local Partnership Scheme, which aims to foster intercultural capacity at local and national level through strategic collaboration among local authorities and with arts and non-arts organisations. In addition, the Artist in the Community Scheme, which is externally managed by Create, provides funding to enable artists and diverse groups to work alongside each other in the making of collaborative art. 

Resources

Create is a national development agency for collaborative arts in social and community contexts and is funded by the Arts Council. Their work initiates cross-sectoral national and international partnerships which support artists and communities to co-create work of depth, ambition and excellence. Create offers advisory support to individuals and organisations, both through one-on-one meetings and group sessions.