Ballyhoura Development CLG is delighted to announce that its proposal for a Creative Places Strand 1 Seed Award for Kilfinane has been successfully approved by the The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

This significant funding marks a major milestone for Kilfinane and the wider Ballyhoura region, building on an extensive research and community engagement phase delivered throughout 2025, led by Creative Practitioner Katie O’Rourke, which engaged almost 2,000 people across the town and its hinterland.

Reflecting on the achievement, Amanda Slattery, Ballyhoura Development, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this Creative Places Seed Award for Kilfinane. This is a hugely significant investment in our community and a powerful recognition of the work undertaken during the research phase. It gives us the opportunity to place creativity at the heart of community development and ensure that the voices of our people continue to shape what comes next.”

The award will support the recruitment of a dedicated Creative Places Co‑ordinator, who will work with the community to deliver an ambitious, three-year creative programme rooted in local priorities.

At the centre of this programme are five key strands identified through the research phase:

• Youth Empowerment
• Community Partnerships
• Artistic Development
• Celebratory Events (festivals and events)
• Creative Infrastructure

These strands reflect both the needs and the ambitions expressed by the community, and will guide the development of a sustainable and inclusive creative ecosystem in Kilfinane.

Speaking about the journey to this point, Creative Practitioner Katie O’Rourke said:
“Working with the people of Kilfinane throughout the research phase has been deeply inspiring. What stood out most was the openness, creativity and willingness of the community to engage. This award validates that work and creates space for those ideas to grow into a living, evolving programme that truly belongs to the community.”

The Creative Places initiative is grounded in a strong, community-led partnership approach, with Ballyhoura Development working closely with Kilfinane Community Council, Limerick City and County Council Arts Office, local artists, schools and community organisations throughout the process.

Etáin McCooey, Limerick City and County Council Arts Office, highlighted the significance of this collaborative model:
“Creative Places Kilfinane is a powerful example of how locally led arts initiatives can transform communities. The strength of the research process and the depth of collaboration across sectors has created a strong foundation for a programme that will have lasting cultural and social impact.”

The programme will build on the momentum of the research phase, which identified both the vibrancy of creative activity already present locally and the need to broaden access, strengthen infrastructure, and support artists and participants across all ages and backgrounds.

Welcoming the announcement on behalf of the community, a Liz Hennessy Chairperson of Kilfinane Community Council said:
“This is fantastic news for Kilfinane and a proud moment for our community. People here have shown real commitment throughout the research process, and this funding ensures that their ideas, energy and ambition can now be realised in a meaningful and lasting way.”

Over the next three years, Creative Places Kilfinane will:

• Support young people to engage with and lead creative initiatives
• Strengthen partnerships between artists, community groups and local organisations
• Provide opportunities for artists to develop sustainable practice locally
• Expand festivals and events that celebrate the identity and diversity of the community
• Activate and enhance local spaces for creative use

The initiative is aligned with a long-term ambition to position Kilfinane as a dynamic rural creative hub, where arts and creativity are embedded in everyday life and accessible to all.

As the project moves into its next phase, Ballyhoura Development will begin the recruitment process for the Creative Places Co‑ordinator and continue working with partners and the community to bring this vision to life.

Creative Places Kilfinane Project

Ballyhoura Development CLG acknowledges the Arts Council of Ireland for its support through the Creative Places Programme, and extends sincere thanks to all partners, artists, community organisations, schools and residents who contributed to the research phase and helped shape this successful application.