Unique day of kids’ creativity to be celebrated in Kildare
Athy's Sing and Sign Club enjoy last year's activities
Ireland is the only county in the world to offer a day of free creativity to children and young people, so Kildare County Council is inviting its child and youth groups across the county to participate in this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg celebrations.
Through the Cruinniú na nÓg Kildare 2025 grant scheme, Kildare’s Creative Ireland team will support projects, workshops or initiatives that allow children and young people to explore their creativity.
Expressions of interest are sought from Kildare-based youth groups, childcare services, family, parent, and community groups. These groups are encouraged to submit proposals for creative projects, with a particular focus on those that provide new creative opportunities to children and young people (age 0 – 18), with limited or no previous access to creative projects.
Proposed projects should be informed by the young people themselves and can take place in the weeks leading up to the official festival date. The projects will culminate in a showcase, exhibition, performance or online release on 7 June, before the big day itself on 15 June. Expressions of interest can now be submitted through the online form at Kildare County Council - Library & Arts section.
The closing date for submissions is 12pm on Friday, 7 March. Eligibility criteria are available via the application form.
Creative Ireland Kildare can assist in matching successful applicants with a professional artist if required.
“One of our goals for Cruinniú na nÓg is to engage with young people in advance, allowing them to have a say in what creative things they would like to make, do, or try as part of this year’s festival,” said Gillian Allen, Creative Ireland coordinator, Kildare County Council.
“So many youth groups and services do fantastic work with their children and young people across Kildare, but may not have many opportunities to work with a professional artist or explore their creativity on a deeper level, and so, we welcome their expressions of interest to take part in Cruinniú na nÓg this year.”
