Cothú

A scheme for site-based arts organisations in the Gaeltacht that provide an ongoing arts programme to the public through Irish. 

Ealaín na Gaeltachta is committed to strengthening the arts infrastructure of the Gaeltacht. To that end, we are accepting applications from site-based arts organisations in the Gaeltacht that provide an ongoing arts programme to the public through Irish. 

Applicants must demonstrate how their arts programme and overall objectives align with the scheme’s priorities: 

– Increasing community participation in the arts; 

– Supporting Gaeltacht artists to nurture and develop their practice and careers; 

– Supporting opportunities for youth participation in the arts (if relevant). 

Fund 

The level of funding for this scheme is limited. Priority will be given to the projects that meet the criteria of the scheme mentioned below and were previously funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta under the Cothú scheme. If you have not previously received funding under the Cothú scheme, you should speak to the Arts Facilitator in your region before starting an application, to find out whether this is the best scheme for your organisation. 

Children and Young People 

Young people are a priority in Ealaín the Gaeltachta’s current strategy. If activities for children and young people are planned as part of the programme, make sure to mention them specifically in the programme and in the budget. 

Funding criteria 

• An arts strategy and work practice that shows clear artistic goals, with an emphasis on high quality in both the arts and artistic processes. 
• A high-quality arts programme. The programme planned for this funding period must be described in detail, including information about events and artists, along with a comprehensive report on the most recent programme implemented by the organisation. 
• Strong and appropriate management and administrative resources to implement the arts programme and achieve the artistic goals. These are: 
  • Strong organisational structure and best governance practice; 
  • Appropriate staff resources at appropriate fees; 
  • Specialist expertise & suitable experience; 
  • Strong ability to manage budgets & raise other sources of funding. 
• Participation of professional artists in the programme and payment of appropriate fees/rates of pay. 
• The Irish language will be central in the running and presentation of the programme.  
• Audience & participation development plan/system to increase community participation in the programme. 
• An assessment & monitoring system through which continuous learning is carried out from the results of the programme. 

*An organisation funded under Cothú cannot apply for the Scéim Forbartha na nEalaíon, Síol or Scéim na bhFéilte. 

Application Process 

You must discuss the application with the regional Arts Facilitator before applying for this scheme. The following information must be included with the application: 

• A copy of the budget including a detailed income and expenditure breakdown for the initiative. 

• The organisation’s end of year accounts (the latest signed full accounts available). 

• The organisation’s constitution or the company’s Memorandum & Articles of Association (if we have not already received a copy). 

• Proof of other support – funding, benefit in kind, etc. 

• List of participating artists & links to examples of their work. 

• A copy or link to the latest programme. 

• Report or interim report on the organisation’s events for the most recent funding period. (If a report form for the latest funding period has not yet been sent to Ealaín na Gaeltachta, it is essential to include an interim report for that period with this application.) 

• Best Practice for Young People   

It is essential for every organisation involved with children and young people to implement a Child Protection Policy, including a Statement of Child Protection, Risk Assessment, and the appropriate procedures, in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Children First Act, 2015.   

Important Update:   

Multi-Annual Funding  

Ealaín na Gaeltachta is pleased to announce that organisations receiving funding under the 2026 Cothú scheme will have the opportunity to apply for multi-annual funding for 2027 and 2028.   

An updated version of the Cothú application form will be available in 2026, outlining the criteria for multi-annual funding.   

A deadline will be set before the end of 2026 for organisations that meet the criteria to submit detailed plans for 2027 and a draft plan for 2028. 

Mentorship Scheme for Arts Centres and Arts Organisations 

This autumn, Ealaín na Gaeltachta launched a new mentorship support scheme for established arts organisations in receipt of funding under the Cothú scheme. It has been confirmed that this Scheme will continue in 2026. 

An expert panel has been assembled, and arts centres and arts organisations are invited to apply for mentorship in the areas below, or for mentorship in a specific area if it is not listed. 

• Finance 
• Child Protection Policy 
• Developing a Sustainability Programme in Gaeltacht centres 
• Programme Development 
• Audience Development 
• Climate Action & Sustainability 
• Evaluation and Monitoring 
• Publicity and Marketing 
• Arts Strategy 

For more information, contact your regional Arts Facilitator.