Over 150 schools embrace Arts Council creativity scheme
The Arts Council has welcomed 156 schools and Youthreach centres into its Creative Schools programme, fostering arts and innovation among young learners. This two-year initiative spans diverse educational settings across Ireland, including special, DEIS, and hospital schools.
The Arts Council has proudly announced that 156 schools and Youthreach centres across Ireland have joined the Creative Schools programme, receiving a combined total of €664,000 in awards. This marks a significant expansion of the initiative, which supports creative engagement by pairing each recipient with a professional Creative Associate to craft tailored artistic activities that enrich the educational journey.
Among this year’s participants are 16 special schools, 45 DEIS schools, nine Irish-language medium schools, six Youthreach centres, and notably, for the first time, 10 schools based in hospital settings. These hospital schools benefit from enhanced funding and additional support, ensuring that all children, regardless of circumstance, can access and participate in the arts. The programme prioritises voices from DEIS, rural, and special schools, empowering young people to lead projects that foster leadership, confidence, and community connection.
This initiative is delivered in close collaboration with the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and Creative Ireland. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan celebrated the milestone, highlighting that over 1,400 schools have now participated since the programme’s inception in 2018. Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton emphasised creativity’s vital role in education, praising the programme’s inclusivity and impact. Arts Council Chair Maura McGrath underlined the scheme’s positive effects on young people’s well-being and self-esteem. A full list of participating schools and centres is available on the official website.