Cork County Council, in partnership with the Creative Ireland Programme, is delighted to announce the return of My Creative Wish for 2026 – an initiative that invites children and young people from across Cork county to submit their most imaginative creative wishes, with the opportunity to see those wishes brought to life by professional artists.
In 2025, approximately 35 creative wishes were granted through a wide range of workshops delivered directly through schools and local libraries. Wishes spanned an extraordinary breadth of artistic disciplines, including architecture, acting, dance, circus, ceramics, baking, design, ballet, and more. It was a testament to the diverse interests of young people in Cork.
A total of 16 winning wishes will be selected by Cork County Council’s Culture and Creativity team. Each winner will receive 6 fully funded creative workshops, delivered by professional artists to them and their class. An additional 16 runners-up will be awarded a free Creative Ireland–funded workshop in their local library.
The 16 winning wishes will be showcased as part of Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, 6th June, 2026, with support from participating schools and groups. Showcases may include exhibitions, performances, concerts, demonstrations, or other creative presentations that highlight the vibrancy and originality of Cork’s young creatives.
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Running in conjunction with Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people, My Creative Wish continues to celebrate the power of imagination, artistic exploration, and creative learning.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, welcomed the return of the programme.
“My Creative Wish gives children and young people across Cork a meaningful chance to express themselves, try something new, and discover their creative potential. We are proud to support a programme that places imagination at the centre of learning and community life.”
To apply, schools and youth groups may request an application pack by emailing creativeireland@corkcoco.ie by 5th December, 2025. The deadline for applications is 19th December, 2025.
Cork County Council encourages all young people, whether their passion is circus arts, coding, costume design, cartooning, choreography, or anything in between to take part. Every creative wish, big or small, has the potential to inspire a lifetime of artistic engagement.
