Creative Communities in numbers

Between 2023 and 2025, Creative Communities delivered:

• 3,497 creative projects across Ireland.
• 3.64 million engagements with creative activities.
• €16.5 million in investment in local initiatives.

Of these projects, 80% took place in areas with low or moderate access to culture and creativity, while 43% were designed to engage seldom-heard communities, reaching almost 900,000 people.

Building connections and belonging 

More than 1,500 projects focused on bringing communities together, engaging approximately 1.15 million people. 

From intercultural arts programmes in Donegal to community celebrations in Balbriggan, these projects provided people of different ages and backgrounds, opportunities to meet, create and share experiences through creativity. 

Almost 95% of participating community organisations reported that their projects helped people make new connections.

Supporting health and wellbeing

The evaluation also highlights how taking part in creative activities can support health and wellbeing. Between 2023 and 2025, 1,291 projects focused on wellbeing engaged approximately 1.74 million people.

In Mayo, The Hearth brought creative experiences into the homes of people experiencing isolation. In Leitrim Modern-Day Mummers, connected older people through traditional music and dance.

More than 92% of the beneficiary groups surveyed agreed that their projects helped strengthen mental health and wellbeing in their communities.

Shaping places and inspiring climate action

Creative Communities is helping people improve shared spaces, celebrate local identity and explore environmental challenges. 

Projects such as Greening the Laneways in Galway City show how residents, artists and local authorities can work together to transform public spaces.

Almost 600 projects focused on climate action and sustainability, reaching approximately 747,000 people through storytelling, visual arts and community-led activities.

The power of local partnerships

Partnership between national and local government is central to the initiative. Culture and Creativity Teams in all 31 local authorities bring together expertise from across the local authority including arts, biodiversity, integration, heritage, libraries, community development and other services.

The evaluation found that this approach helps local authorities reach new audiences, strengthen community relationships and respond creatively to local priorities.

Looking ahead

Since 2017, Creative Communities has supported creativity as part of everyday community life. The evaluation recommends continued support

beyond 2027, increased investment and further development of national and local partnerships.

Ultimately, its findings reinforce a powerful message: creativity is not simply something communities experience, but something that helps communities thrive.

Download the full evaluation report here