THE BIG READ: The féile-good factor
FUNDING for festivals has never been more accessible since the formation of a new Community, Tourism and Rural Development directorate by Cork County Council one year ago.
As director of the new unit, and manager of the West Cork Municipal District, Nicola Radley is deeply cognisant of the fact that while funding and assistance were being delivered before, it was disparate, but now it is all under one directorate.
In January, Cork County Council opened applications under the Local Festival and Event Fund, otherwise known as the LFEF. With the backing of the elected members of Cork County Council, this fund was increased significantly so the benefits could be spread throughout the county.
By the end of the year, €272,000, with support from Fáilte Ireland, was allocated to festivals and events throughout Cork county.
There were two funding streams: 55 small-to-medium festivals and events shared €125,000 in funding, while eight large-scale initiatives were given an allocation of €147,000 to deliver festivals and events that have strong regional, national and international appeal.
Nicola told The Southern Star: “The fund enables us to give financial assistance, but there is a more holistic approach at the core of it because it allows us to help the groups to develop from small to large scale festivals and events.”
The local authority published a festival and events toolkit last year that is available on its website. Nicola explained: “The guide is there for anyone who wants to start a new festival or event, or develop their existing event.
“The LFEF enables Cork County Council to provide financial support, but it is also sustaining visitor activity and the hospitality trade, which benefits local economies outside the traditional peak summer period.
“Festivals supported [include] a wide range of cultural, music, food, sporting and family-focused events across all of the eight municipal districts in Cork county, not just West Cork and Bandon-Kinsale.
“Everyone is aware of the many ways in which these festivals and events contributes to local economies, enhances community life, and extends the tourism season. But it is important to point out that these events are at the heart of our communities.”
Looking back over the applications that poured in over the four weeks of January, Nicola revealed: “We received 90 applications for funding of which 75 were for the smaller events fund and 15 for the larger events fund.
“The total amount sought was €706,791, as opposed to the actual budget of €272,000. Of the small-to-medium festivals and events that were approved, 33 of the 55 projects were in the West Cork Municipal District and the Bandon Kinsale Municipal District.
“Meanwhile, of the eight large-scale festivals and events that were approved county-wide, four festivals and events received funding in the West Cork and Bandon-Kinsale municipal districts.”
Cllr Brendan McCarthy said it was great to see so many new festivals cropping up.
He added: “They are all worthy of support and of course it would be great if there was more funding to allocate, but I’m also conscious that there is not an infinite amount of money in the pot.
“The more festivals applying for funding naturally means that lots of them get relatively small funding, but Cork County Council is trying to support all festivals.”
Cllr Caroline Cronin also commented on the “abundance of wonderful festivals from January right through to December”. She said: “Funding is the key word. These festivals bring lots of revenue to our communities, supporting local businesses, tourism, hospitality and local economy, while also creating opportunities for people to come together and celebrate
“I’m always happy to advocate for increased funding and support for our festivals with the backing of cork county council. I’ll make sure to raise this at our upcoming budget meetings.”
Cllr Finbarr Harrington agreed. He said: “I think the success of the festivals grants in West Cork speaks for itself. The scheme is, in many ways, a victim of its own success, as it is oversubscribed, which is fantastic to see.
“As Deputy Mayor of Cork County, I was delighted to open so many of these festivals during the summer and saw first-hand the very positive impact they have on the local area.
“Given the huge success of the scheme and the demand that exists for funding, I would like us to be in a position to be able to increase the budget for next year when we come to discuss our budget later this year.”
Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland gave €72,500 to the small and medium events and €80,500 to the large-scale festivals and events in West Cork.
According to Nicola, the entire allocation across the West Cork approvals “reflects the really strong level of activity in these two districts”.
The figures show that more than 60% of the community groups who applied for funding in West Cork under the LFEF were successful.
The Ballydehob Jazz Festival received €10,000, as did the Sullivan clan event in Beara. The Fastnet Short Film Festival in Schull received €10,500, while West Cork Music in Bantry - which runs a trio of renowned festivals - received €50,000.
“That is a lovely mix of music, family, heritage, and the arts,” said Nicola. “There is something for every demographic.”
Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.