02/06/2026
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Louth PEACEPLUS - Collaborative Arts Programme Launches in County Louth –
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A new cross-community collaborative arts programme supported by the Louth PEACEPLUS Programme has officially launched in County Louth, aiming to promote reconciliation, cultural understanding, and social inclusion through a programme of creative engagement.
PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and has a total value of €1.14 billion, to be delivered over the next four years. PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Louth County Council PEACEPLUS Programme Manager Grainne Flanagan said “We are excited to see the launch of the Louth PEACEPLUS Collaborative Arts Programme. This programme will showcase the talents and musical heritage of participants, while bringing people together via a cross-community approach. We wish Capacity Ireland every success in carrying out this project and very much look forward to seeing the final showcase”.
Delivered by Capacity Ireland in partnership with Louth Local Development SICAP Programme and Music Generation Louth and supported by [Louth County Council / SEUPB) this initiative aims to engage more than 500 participants from across Louth and neighbouring cross-border communities over the next two-year period.
The programme is rooted in principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion, with targeted outreach to underrepresented groups. It will bring together young people, artists, musicians, and community groups from diverse backgrounds to explore identity, creative expressions and shared futures through music and participatory arts.
The initiative is structured across five interconnected programme elements:
• Composer-in-Residence Programme
A professional composer will collaborate with young people and musicians to create original works inspired by their young creative minds.
• Youth Music Programme
Seven schools and 200 students will take part in a 10-week music education programme, combining skills development with creative exploration of global musical traditions.
• “Songs from Home” Project
Working with ethnic minority communities, participants will share songs from their countries of origin. These will be preserved in a published resource for use in schools, supporting intercultural learning and integration.
• Community Arts Programme
Up to 200 participants from women’s groups, Muslim communities, older adults, and individuals from disadvantaged areas will collaborate on creative projects designed to build connections and challenge division.
• Annual Peace Arts Festival
The programme will culminate in a public event and celebration featuring performances, dialogue, and exhibitions showcasing participants’ work.
The project has successfully completed its initial development phase, including contract signing, staff recruitment, and programme design. Participant recruitment is now actively underway across schools and community settings, with delivery beginning.
Sinead Dowling, Collaborative Arts Manager for Capacity Ireland said:
“This programme creates a space for people from different backgrounds to come together, share experiences, and build connections through creativity. By engaging with the community and delivering each element with artists we are encouraging participation and dialogue that brings communities together through a shared and inclusive purpose across County Louth and beyond. We look forward to working in County Louth, we welcome community participation, so if you would like to get involved reach out to us and we will be very much taking a collaborative approach”.
Looking Ahead
The first phase of programme delivery will continue throughout 2026 and 2027, expanding participation and deepening cross-community engagement. If you are a community member who would like to be involved or participate please reach out to us.
