Ireland commits €7.6M to 11 climate arts projects through 2029
What's the deal? The Irish government has named the 11 successful applicants for the Creative Climate Action Fund III (CCAF III), a €7.6 million programme running from 2026 to 2029. Each project can receive up to €750,000 — the single largest investment to date under the scheme.
Where's the money going? Dinnseanchas: The Agency of Place, led by the charity Hometree, secured maximum funding to place artists in residencies across Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Clare, and Kerry, exploring climate change, biodiversity loss, and the challenges of the landscape.
Cork City Council also received maximum funding for Cultureways, a project using creative practice and behavioural science to encourage people to rethink and reduce short car journeys in the city.
Why now? The fund includes two cross-border projects under the Shared Island programme. One, The Messages, is led by the Mary Robinson Centre and works with artists, scientists, growers, and community groups to nurture native Irish plants and reimagine local food systems.
What's the endgame? The government is betting that culture can shift public behaviour on climate. "I welcome the inclusion of these two significant projects which will harness the power of culture and creativity to bring people together and help build a better, sustainable, shared future," said Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
He announced the fund alongside Patrick O'Donovan, minister for culture, communications and sport, and Darragh O'Brien, minister for climate, energy and the environment.
The signal: By tying arts funding to both climate goals and cross-border cooperation, Ireland is treating creative practice as a policy tool — not a side project. The four-year horizon signals a shift toward longer-term, mission-led cultural investment.
Read more: Hot Press
Image credit: Government of Ireland
