Invitation to Collaboration 2022

Supporting partnerships that focus on developing projects, resources or services that are ambitious and testing new ground

Invitation to Collaboration has been funding collaborative projects around the country since 2017. It supports regional and national initiatives in the field of local-authority-led arts development. The scheme is rooted in the policies set out in the Arts Council’s ten-year strategy (2016-2025), Making Great Art Work: Leading the Development of the Arts in Ireland and in A Framework for Collaboration: An Agreement Between the Arts Council and the County and City Management Association. The emphasis is placed on supporting partnerships that focus on developing projects, resources or services that are ambitious and are testing new ground.

“Gnáthóga Nádúrtha” (Natural Habitats)

Drummond, Co. Carlow is one of three communities that will benefit from this funding award through a new project called “Gnáthóga Nádúrtha” (Natural Habitats). 

Carlow County Council arts officer and Creative Ireland co-ordinator Sinead Dowling said: “Through this project, Carlow, Kildare and Meath arts services will collaborate with environmental activists, artists and community mapping experts. Our focus is on climate action and place-based practice in these rich natural heritage sites across three counties.”

Lead Partner: Carlow County Council
Partners: Kildare County Council, Meath County Council, Drummond, County Carlow, Rathangan, County Kildare and Girley Bog, County Meath communities.

Sightless Cinema Network 

Sightless Cinema is a collaborative arts project for people with sight loss to devise and produce audio theatre. It was first established in 2015 under the direction of theatre-maker Ciarán Taylor. The Sightless Cinema project has been based at Rua Red Arts Centre, Tallaght, since 2017. New in-person projects began at Solstice Arts Centre, Navan in 2022, followed by the Portlaoise group in 2023.

 “Mobility and travel are big challenges for people with sight loss, but shouldn’t stand in the way of full participation in culture. We hope to establish a model for arts participation for people with disabilities, to build demand for more opportunities to experience the arts, and to pave the way for a national network of sightless cinemas.” Project director, Ciarán Taylor,

Lead Partner: South Dublin County Council
Partners: Meath County Council,  Laois County Council, theatre artist Ciarán Taylor,  Solstice Arts Centre, Dunamaise Arts Centre, The Civic Theatre and the National Council of the Blind of
Ireland.

Sliabh Luachra Music Trail  

The Sliabh Luachra region is associated with a specific and idiomatic traditional music repertoire and performance style, widely regarded as one of the important regional styles in Irish music. It encompasses sections of  counties Cork, Kerry & Limerick &  is predominantly rural, characterized by small isolated communities. This is a partnership project to grow active participation and preserve the unique musical heritage of the Sliabh Luachra. 

Lead Partner: Cork County Council
Partners: Limerick City and County Council and Kerry County Council.