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The Creative Place Tuam Cultural Growth Fund supports creative ideas, creative practice and creative sharing in Tuam.
The Invitation
Creative Places Tuam, in partnership with Galway County Council Arts Office, is delighted to launch the 2026 Cultural Growth Fund.
The Cultural Growth Fund invites artists, creative practitioners, individuals and community groups to explore ideas, develop creative practice and share work that contributes to a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape across Tuam.
We welcome ideas of all sizes and encourage applicants to think imaginatively about how their proposal can make a meaningful contribution to the creative and cultural life of Tuam.
What is the Cultural Growth Fund?
The Cultural Growth Fund supports creative ideas, artistic practice and community-led creative activity across all artforms and disciplines.
The fund offers three strands of support, designed to meet ideas at different stages of development:
Strand 1: Seed – where might you begin?
For early ideas, experimentation and starting points – supporting people to explore possibilities, test ideas and begin creative development.
Funding available: Up to €500
Indicative number of awards: Up to 6
Strand 2: Taking Root – what needs time to grow?
For developing ideas, strengthening creative practice and giving process the time and support needed to evolve.
Funding available: Up to €3,000
Indicative number of awards: Up to 3
Strand 3: Bloom – how would you like to share your practice?
For bringing creative work into the world through production, presentation, publication, exhibition, performance or other forms of public sharing.
Funding available: Up to €1,000
Indicative number of awards: Up to 3
Optional Developmental Support
Alongside funding, you can avail of optional developmental support from the Creative Places Tuam team. The support is entirely shaped by you and might include talking through an idea, making introductions, troubleshooting practical challenges, or connecting you with relevant people, organisations, or resources. The aim is to support your process while respecting your creative and artistic direction.
What Can the Fund Support?
Proposals should demonstrate a benefit to the cultural and creative life of Tuam and its surrounding communities.
The Cultural Growth Fund can support a wide range of creative activity, including:
- Developing new creative work, projects or ideas.
- Growing and strengthening existing creative initiatives or practices.
- Testing, piloting or exploring new approaches.
- Delivering creative activities, including workshops, events, exhibitions, performances and public engagement.
- Supporting production, publication, presentation and sharing of creative work.
- Engaging artists or creative practitioners to work with communities.
- Purchasing or hiring materials, equipment or specialist resources.
- Supporting accessibility, participation and venue-related costs directly connected to creative activity.
- Supporting collaborations between artists, community groups and organisations.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcome from:
- Individual Artists
- Creative Practitioners
- Community Groups
- Voluntary Organisations
- Arts Organisations
- Cultural Organisations
- Individuals with a creative project idea
Applicants must:
- Be living, working or actively engaged within Tuam or its surrounding areas.
- Demonstrate how their project will benefit Tuam and its communities.
We welcome applications from both emerging and established practitioners.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility.
Step 2: Complete the application form here on Submit.
Step 3: Gather your examples of work (Max 5)
Step 4: Submit your completed application and supporting materials before the published deadline.
Applications may be submitted in written, audio or video format where required.
How Applications are Considered
- Eligibility Check: All applications will first be reviewed to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Assessment: Assessment is based on Artistic quality and clarity of idea (25%) Benefit to Tuam (35%) Feasibility (20%) Potential impact (20%)
- Decision Making: Decisions will be made by an assessment panel and will be approved through Galway County Council Arts Office.
Successful Applications
Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer outlining the terms and conditions of funding.
Recipients will be required to:
- Acknowledge support from Creative Places Tuam and Galway County Council Arts Office.
- Provide a short progress update and final report.
- Supply photographs, documentation or other materials suitable for promotional and evaluation purposes.
- Participate in evaluation and Communication activities where required.
Important Information
Applicants are responsible for:
- Health and Safety requirements.
- Insurance requirements relating to their activity.
- Financial management of awarded funds.
- Compliance with any relevant legal or regulatory obligations.
Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
Key Dates
Application Opening Date: 17th of July
Application Deadline: 11th of September 5pm sharp
Project Completion Deadline: March 2027