Four Mayo groups will share in €16,500 in funding for Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools, following an announcement by the government.
The four Mayo groups to receive funding were: (1 ) Seosamh McGabhann Summer School, €5,000 for a virtual Summer School; (2 ) Custom House Studios, €2,500 for a sculpture at Westport Quay, an outdoor festival exhibition of contemporary sculpture; (3 ) Bofield CCÉ, €4,000 for a Summer School celebrating 25 years of North Mayo Traditional Music and Song and (4 ) Ballina Fringe Festival, €5,000 for an annual arts festival including an outdoor circus show, a drive-in film screening and online creative workshops.
Welcoming the announcement, Fianna Fáil Deputy, Dara Calleary, said: "I am delighted to confirm funding for a number of local small scale festivals and summer schools. This year the Seosamh MacGabhann Summer School will be virtual in nature; Bofield CCE are celebrating 25 years of North Mayo traditional music and song; Ballina Fringe Festival is an annual arts festival including an outdoor circus show, a drive-in film screening and online creative workshops and at Custom House Studio an outdoor festival exhibition of contemporary sculpture will take place. Congratulations and best wishes to all of these local events."
Fine Gael Deputy Michael Ring also welcomed the announcement, saying: "This scheme is designed to assist local cultural events which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events such as those supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies. Closing date for applications was April 23. Funding was allocated following a competitive applications process, with a maximum grant of €5,000 available. I have been advised that the projects being funded are a mix of online initiatives and 'in real life' events to be delivered to an audience in line with general public health guidance."
