Laois County Council Calls for Spectacle Event Proposals for Culture Night 2025
Are you or a local group passionate about showcasing creativity and community spirit? Laois county Council’s Art Office is inviting applications from towns and villages across the county to host a large-scale spectacle event for Culture Night 2025, set to take place on Friday, 19 September. This is your chance to bring your community together for an unforgettable celebration of art, music, and culture.
To kickstart the process, an information night about the grants and opportunities available will be held on Wednesday, 22 January, at 7pm in the Portlaoise Parish Center. for those unable to attend in person, an online Microsoft Teams meeting will take place on Thursday, 23 January, at 7pm. To secure your spot, email [email protected].
The winning applicant will receive guidance from a creative team,including a producer,Music Generation Laois,and local artists,to ensure their event becomes a night to remember. The selected group will be expected to collaborate closely with the team and involve a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, community groups, men’s sheds, ICA, resident groups, artists, and musicians.
the impact of such involvement can be transformative. “The effect this level of involvement in a Culture Night event can be profound on a town,” the council notes. “It increases confidence and skills in hosting and producing a large-scale event, under the guidance of a professional team.”
Past events have set a high standard.The Night Creatures Parade in Stradbally during Culture Night 2023 was a resounding success, featuring students from Cosby NS and st Colemans NS, drummers from Music Generation Laois, and dancers from the Buggie School of Dance. The event included a vibrant parade and stunning illuminations.
Similarly, Rathdowney Revels in 2024 brought the community together with dance, music, and radiant creatures inhabiting the Square, led by a celestial theme of sun, moon, and stars. Participants included children and young people from Scoil Bhríde NS and Saint Fergal’s College, as well as residents from Erkina House, The Commercial Inn, and the wider Rathdowney community.
The Culture Night events are produced by Laois County Council Arts Service in partnership with Music Generation Laois. Applications for the 2025 event are now open, with details and forms available from The Arts Office, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. You can also call 057 866 4163,email [email protected], or visit their website.
The deadline for completed applications is 5pm on Friday, 28 February. Don’t miss this prospect to create a magical night for your community!
| Key Details |
|——————|
| Event Date | Friday, 19 September 2025 |
| Information Night | 22 January, 7pm, Portlaoise Parish Centre |
| Online Meeting | 23 January, 7pm, Microsoft Teams |
| Application Deadline | 28 February, 5pm |
| Contact | [email protected] or 057 866 4163 |
Join the movement and make Culture Night 2025 a night to remember for your town or village!
Unlocking Creativity: Insights on Laois County council’s Culture Night 2025
Table of Contents
- Unlocking Creativity: Insights on Laois County council’s Culture Night 2025
- Welcome, Ciara! Can you tell us what makes Culture Night so special for communities in Laois?
- What should applicants know about the spectacle event proposal process?
- What kinds of events have been successful in the past?
- What advice would you give to groups considering applying?
- How does Culture Night benefit communities beyond the event itself?
- Thank you, Ciara! Any final thoughts?
As laois County Council opens applications for Culture Night 2025, we sit down with arts and culture expert Ciara O’Brien to discuss the meaning of this event, the application process, and the transformative impact it can have on local communities. Ciara is a renowned cultural strategist with extensive experience in community engagement and event production.
Welcome, Ciara! Can you tell us what makes Culture Night so special for communities in Laois?
Ciara: Absolutely! Culture Night is a unique possibility for towns and villages to come together and celebrate their creativity, heritage, and community spirit. It’s a night where the arts take center stage,and everyone—from children to seniors—can participate in something truly magical. For Laois, it’s about showcasing the county’s rich cultural tapestry and fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
What should applicants know about the spectacle event proposal process?
Ciara: The spectacle event is the highlight of Culture night, and Laois County Council is looking for proposals that are ambitious, inclusive, and engaging. Applicants should think about how they can create a large-scale event that involves the entire community—schools, local artists, musicians, and residents. The council provides support through a creative team, including a producer and Music Generation Laois, to help bring these ideas to life.
What kinds of events have been successful in the past?
Ciara: Events like the Night Creatures Parade in Stradbally and Rathdowney Revels have been incredibly successful. These events combined parades, music, dance, and stunning visuals to create unforgettable experiences. The key is to involve a wide range of stakeholders and create something that resonates with both participants and audiences.
What advice would you give to groups considering applying?
Ciara: My advice is to start early, collaborate widely, and think big! Attend the facts night or the online meeting to get a clear understanding of the process and expectations. The deadline for applications is 28 February 2025, so there’s plenty of time to develop a compelling proposal. Remember, this is your chance to make a lasting impact on your community.
How does Culture Night benefit communities beyond the event itself?
Ciara: beyond the immediate joy and excitement, Culture Night helps build community confidence and skills in event production. It also strengthens local networks and fosters a deeper thankfulness for the arts. For many towns, this event becomes a stepping stone to more cultural initiatives and a stronger sense of identity.
Thank you, Ciara! Any final thoughts?
Ciara: I’d just encourage everyone to get involved. Whether you’re applying to host an event, volunteering, or simply attending, Culture Night is a chance to celebrate the best of what your community has to offer. Let’s make Culture Night 2025 a night to remember!
For more information, visit Laois County Council’s website or email [email protected].
