Press Release: Thursday 14 May 2026
Minister Murnane O’Connor awards ten Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity projects with €136,678 in funding
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, today announced the successful applicants of the Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity programme.
The Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity programme is a fund designed to support Traveller organisations and Primary Health Care Projects in addressing health inequalities and improving wellbeing through creative approaches.
This programme builds on the success of a pilot programme in 2022-2023 led by the Creative Ireland Programme and the Health Service Executive (HSE), supported by the Healthy Ireland Programme and the Arts Council as part of the National Creative Arts and Health Working Group.
This iteration represents a scaled-up approach led by the HSE and the Arts Council with an increased number of projects and a special focus on ensuring a Traveller-led approach to the scheme design and delivery. The Traveller organisations involved will engage in various creative forms including music, metalwork, crafts, theatre, spoken word poetry, group performance, beauty, photography, visual art, creative writing, and recreational creativity-based experiences.
Traveller organisations in collaboration with Primary Health Care Projects and artists or creatives were invited to submit applications that focused on Traveller culture and heritage that could include Traveller and non-Traveller artists working together. Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre will provide support in the management of this programme.
Ten applicants were successful. These projects are based across the island of Ireland in Galway, Cork, Leitrim, Cavan, Dublin, Offaly, and Carlow.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“I am very pleased to announce the successful projects under the Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity programme which is supported by the Healthy Ireland Programme. This initiative recognises the powerful role that creativity, culture and community play in strengthening individuals’ health and wellbeing. By building on the success of the pilot programme, this expanded fund places Traveller leadership at its core and supports projects that celebrate Traveller culture, heritage, and creativity.
“I want to commend the Traveller organisations, Primary Health Care Projects, and artists involved for their commitments to collaboration and innovation. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these initiatives will have for the Traveller community and beyond”.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said:
“I am delighted to see the continuation of the Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity initiative which began through the Creative Ireland Programme in my Department.
“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these exciting projects and to continuing our support to the HSE as this important programme is rolled out.”
The launch of the scheme takes place in Collins Barracks, National Museum of Ireland today.
Further information on the successful projects is available here.