Foras na Gaeilge: The Major Arts Events Scheme
Overview
This scheme focuses on major events which aim to foster and promote the Irish language and language-based Irish language arts through the medium of Irish or bilingually as a part of a major event. As well as that, this scheme focuses on the Irish language social networks, the general public and the arts sector on an all-island and international basis.
The Major Arts Events Scheme will be open to appropriate professional groups to give them an opportunity to develop major arts events or elements of major arts events being run and implemented through the medium of Irish or of which the language-based Irish language arts are a central part.
Criteria of the scheme
Foras na Gaeilge will use the following criteria to assess all applications:
- (a) The subject matter, number and type of Irish Language events must be attractive to the intended audience, in accordance with the basic aim of the scheme.
(b) The organisers must clearly demonstrate imagination in the development of the programme
(c) The number of participants must be measurable, including performers and attendees.
2. The use of Irish must be encouraged in the context of the promotion of the language-based arts: recitation, singing, storytelling, reading stories, puppetry, drama, films, literature, fostering new artists, or any other area of the language-based arts which would attract Irish-speaking attendees.
3. The events programme and all publicity must be in Irish or fully bilingual, with prominence given to the Irish. If a particular element of a larger festival is intended, significant recognition must be given to Irish in the publicity and information literature of the main event. A draft of the programme may be sent to Foras na Gaeilge before it is printed.
4. The applicant must have a programme of work setting out an aim, objective, strategy, audience development and participation plan, and marketing plan.
5. The group making the application must have management and administration capacity, which will include the group’s experience, structure, range of expertise and specialism. If it is a local group operating on behalf of an umbrella organisation or umbrella body the relationship, cooperation and support with the appropriate umbrella organisation or umbrella body must be shown.
6. Information must be provided on funding or support from other sources, i.e. sponsorship, use of venue, voluntary time, funding in kind, estimated income and value for money.
7. Foras na Gaeilge will award extra marks in the evaluation process to applications which show that the entire event or relevant secondary events will be situated in the networks, Gaeltacht service towns, language planning areas, and areas operating under Scéim Forbartha Líonraí Gaeilge 2022 – 2024 (extended to 2026).
8. Foras na Gaeilge will award extra marks to applications which show that they have a plan to increase audience numbers.
9. Foras na Gaeilge will award extra marks to applications which show that the Irish language will be to the fore in every element of the major event, and in the publicity material.
10. There must be a commitment to cooperate with the appropriate lead organisations.
11. Any funding from Foras na Gaeilge to be spent and claimed within the current calendar year (Before 30 November 2025).
Particular requirements
- A constitution or articles of association
- Confirmation, to the satisfaction of Foras na Gaeilge, that all events mentioned on the application form are/will be covered by an appropriate and valid insurance policy. Please note that you do not need to send Foras na Gaeilge a copy of the policy.
- Safeguarding Checklist
- A bank account in the name of the major event
- A valid ROS tax number (if appropriate)
- A tax clearance certificate (if appropriate)
- A statement showing a commitment to the Irish language
If you have any question on any aspect of the qualifying criteria, you can contact Foras na Gaeilge before the deadline.