Announcing the scheme, Arts Minister Heather Humphreys said: “This funding scheme aims to provide capital assistance to not-for-profit organisations that have a clearly defined arts and culture remit. While the amounts involved are relatively modest, the grants will in themselves make a huge difference to these individual organisations and will be of particular benefit to local cultural centres throughout rural Ireland.

“In February, I announced €9 million in funding for 56 arts venues and organisations, which was focussed on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country. Now, I want to give smaller organisations a chance to benefit from a small capital injection and I am delighted to be in a position to provide this much needed funding.

“This investment is an important way of supporting the arts in the regions, and ensuring people right across the country can access quality cultural facilities. Through the Creative Ireland Programme and indeed the Action Plan for Rural Development I am aiming to ensure that communities nationwide have access to culture and creativity.”

The maximum grant available will be 70% of the total eligible costs, subject to a maximum grant payment of €20,000.

Examples of projects which may be funded include:

• Energy efficiency projects; Lighting and sound equipment;
• Heating and plumbing upgrades; Mechanical and electrical works;
• Seating, staging and storage; Minor building works such as window replacement, upgrading facilities; Painting and decorating; Security systems; Non personal digital equipment;
• IT related projects.