As we reflect on another successful year for Creative Ireland Kilkenny, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements, partnerships and creative experiences that have enriched communities across County Kilkenny throughout 2024.
Guided by the Kilkenny Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027, the Creative Ireland Programme continues to champion participation in culture and creativity, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds have opportunities to connect, create and engage. Through collaboration, innovation and inclusion, the programme has strengthened community well-being, social engagement and cultural participation throughout the county.
This year’s programme demonstrated the power of partnership, working closely with internal departments including the Arts Office, Heritage Office, Biodiversity, Healthy Kilkenny, Climate Action, Libraries and Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, alongside external organisations such as Carlow County Council, KCETB, the HSE, KLP, community groups and youth organisations. Together, these collaborations have delivered high-quality projects that celebrate creativity while supporting social inclusion, environmental awareness and lifelong learning.
Cruinniú na nÓg 2024
Cruinniú na nÓg once again transformed Kilkenny into a vibrant county-wide celebration of youthful creativity.
- 53 artists employed
- 1,666 young participants
- 35 events delivered
- €30,000 funding allocated
The programme featured activities across music, spoken word, visual arts, literature, theatre, crafts, STEM, biodiversity and natural heritage. Young people engaged in an exciting range of experiences including:
- Traditional Irish music and song masterclasses
- Plant photography and mural creation
- Silversmithing, basket weaving and pottery workshops
- Circus performances, dance and visual art workshops
- A collaborative song-writing project with Music Generation and Robert Grace
- Drumming sessions and “Book Doctor” creative workshops
- Evening events featuring comedy, animation, natural printmaking and ink-making
The programme continued to place a strong emphasis on accessibility, diversity and creative expression, ensuring that children and young people could explore new skills and experiences in welcoming and inclusive environments.
Creative Ireland Kilkenny 2024 Programme
The wider Creative Ireland programme supported an extensive range of community-led and artist-driven projects throughout the year.
- 176 artists employed
- 106 projects and events funded
- €147,000 funding allocated
- €60,429 leveraged through participation and partnerships
Projects spanned multiple disciplines including music, literature, visual arts, theatre, crafts, architecture, heritage, biodiversity and technology.
Highlights included:
Alice Kyteler Library Programme
Creative Ireland funding supported the development of free and accessible workshops, exhibitions and festival activities at the Mayfair Library, creating new opportunities for the public to engage with creativity, culture and heritage.
Age Friendly Creative Christmas Connections
In partnership with Age Friendly Kilkenny, Yulefest, the Arts Office and Creative Kilkenny, fifteen festive workshops took place across urban and rural communities throughout December. These events brought people together through creativity, encouraging connection, participation and seasonal celebration.
Community Creativity Projects
Local communities embraced creativity through a range of innovative projects, including:
- Craic at the Crossroads in Kilnaspic
- Waking the Seeds
- A Plein Air Painting Event in Graiguenamanagh
Creative Inclusion Initiatives
Targeted programmes were developed in areas identified through the Pobal Deprivation Index, supporting community engagement through pop-up workshops in:
- Weaving
- Papermaking
- Jewellery making
- Cultural headdress design
These projects helped increase access to creativity while fostering cultural exchange and community participation.
Additional Creative Ireland Funding 2024
An additional funding allocation of €33,000 supported six further initiatives through the Creative Ireland Open Call.
Programme Outcomes
- 16 artists employed
- 880 participants engaged
Funded projects included:
- Living Artfully
- Night Time Economy Initiatives
- Live Music in Retirement Homes
- Cruinniú na nÓg Consultation Programme
- Graiguenamanagh Women’s Shed Development
- Ossory Does Comedy
These projects demonstrated the breadth of creativity flourishing across Kilkenny, supporting everything from artistic participation and cultural development to community health and social connection.
Looking Ahead
One of the most exciting developments this year has been the continued expansion of the Creative Kilkenny Team. This growth will help ensure that culture and creativity remain embedded across local authority plans, policies and projects.
By strengthening cross-departmental collaboration and building new regional partnerships, the team is well-positioned to drive innovative initiatives that deliver positive outcomes for communities across Kilkenny in the years ahead.
As we look forward to 2025, we extend our sincere thanks to all of the artists, participants, community groups, partners and volunteers who made this year’s programme such a success. Together, you continue to demonstrate that creativity is not simply something we experience, but something that helps shape vibrant, connected and resilient communities.
Creative Ireland Kilkenny remains committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in, enjoy and contribute to the cultural life of our county.
