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Creative Places Tuam is committed to further supporting the growth of culture and creativity in Tuam. Following on from the Seeding Fund (2020) and Taking Root Fund (2023) we are proud to offer a third funding scheme, the Cultural Growth Fund, to support artists and communities of Tuam alike to continue their great work. We look forward to seeing how the recipients make things happen, take ideas further, grow resources and deepen their connection to Tuam.
This was a highly competitive and oversubscribed award and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who took time to submit an application. Creative Places Tuam with support from Galway County Council Arts Service was in the privileged position to award €20,155 to seven projects.
We look forward to working to supporting these important projects over the coming months. The recipients include:
Alan Meany & Bru Bhríde Arts Hub
This project will work with young Travellers in Tuam, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to create, produce, and distribute their own podcasts. The focus of the project is on culture and folklore, enabling participants to explore and share their Traveller heritage, traditions, and stories through the medium of podcasting. The aim is that the young people will continue to use their skills to produce podcasts after the training is completed.
Emily Walsh & St Oliver’s Special School
St Oliver’s is a special school for children aged 4-18 with severe to profound learning needs. The school will use this fund to run a sensory play program with Hande O Keefe from Sugradh le Cheil, to support the children’s sensory integration, motor skills, communication, and social interactions through creative, engaging activities. The children will explore at their own pace, promoting development through hands-on experiences with art, light, and tactile materials.
Artist Shane O’Malley photographed with young people from Youthreach Tuam, at the launch of a mural funded by Office of Public Works and Galway County Council. Also pictured is Joanna McGlynn, member of the Creative Places Tuam Creative Team.
Fiona Dempsey & Youthreach Tuam
Youthreach is an educational centre for young people that may have dropped out or were unable to complete their 2nd level education. Over the past five years, Youthreach has cemented its reputation as a trailblazer in the creative arts sector.
Youthreach Arts Festival: YR ARTS FEST will be a celebration of culture, creativity, and community, specifically designed to engage and inspire learners at Youthreach, including those from the Traveller Community.
Jennifer Cunningham & Tuam Tidy Towns
Tuam’s Tidy Towns committee, along with volunteers, works to improve the local environment and create a “sense of place”. Tuam-based artist Jennifer Cunningham will use the Little Mill as a venue to research the River Nanny and to collaborate with the local community to create a project that investigates the climate conversation. The project will provide new avenues for audiences to become aware of the biodiversity on their doorstep.
“We are a part of Nature” by Jennifer-Cunningham, Book Still
Karena Ryan & Tuam Sugar Factory
Artist Karena Ryan will use this fund for the research and development phase of a textile project centred on the Tuam Sugar Factory. Through field trips, community engagement, and archival exploration, she will gather stories and lived memories that risk being forgotten. This work will preserve an important part of Tuam’s social and industrial history and lay the foundation for a future textile art project that honours resilience, labour, and community voice through research-led storytelling and stitch.
Mary O’Connor & The Tome Chanters
The Tome Chanters are a vibrant community choir based in Tuam. Since their formation in 2022, this intergenerational group has brought together people from all walks of life, united by a shared love of music, singing, and community collaboration. The group will document a special event celebrating the rich musical talent of Tuam. This event will highlight the town’s musicians, singers, and songwriters, demonstrating the deep-rooted musical heritage and collaborative spirit of the community.
Tome Chanters group shot, courtesy Tome Chanters
School Completion Programme
The School Completion Programme aims to improve retention by supporting students at risk of early school leaving, focusing on attendance, participation, & retention through mentoring, afterschool programs, and family support.
The School Completion Programme, in collaboration with Galway Community Circus and primary and secondary schools in Tuam, will use this funding to deliver innovative creative workshops led by multidiscipinary artist Inés García that empower children facing educational disadvantage in Tuam. The initiative will offer circus workshops, exposing children to various creative disciplines and aiming to broaden their horizons, inspire personal growth, and equip them with essential life skills that support both their educational and personal development.