By Alex Redmond
Cork County Council have announced that ‘My Creative Wish’, an initiative that helps children to participate in the arts, will return for its second year, in 2026.
The initiative provides children across Cork with the opportunity to submit their “most imaginative creative wish.” Applicants will have the opportunity to have those wishes fulfilled through a series of workshops run by professional artists.
The programme “has the potential to inspire a lifetime of artistic engagement,” according to Cork County Council.
Speaking about ‘My Creative Wish’ with The Avondhu, Cork county councillor for the Fermoy Municipal District, Deirdre O’Brien said: “It is a wonderful opportunity for children and young people to express who they are, explore new possibilities, and uncover the power of their creativity. (I’m) delighted that Cork County Council are championing this programme that makes imagination central to how children learn, connect, and grow as a community. Looking forward to seeing the wishes.”
Schools and youth groups can apply on behalf of the children. 16 winners will be chosen. Each winner and their class will have the chance to participate in six fully funded workshops delivered by artists from a variety of disciplines, like acting, dancing and design. They will then showcase their newly learned skills next June as part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2026, a national day of creativity for children.
Additionally, 16 runners-up will be chosen and awarded with a free creative Ireland workshop, in their local library.
Deadlines for application is Friday, December 19th. This is the second year that the programme will offer young people across Cork to fulfil their creative desires. Last year, the initiative granted 35 wishes, organising an array of workshops in local schools and libraries.
