New pilot grant to support Waterford's night-time economy
The new scheme is designed to support creative, cultural, and community activity during off-peak evening hours in Waterford city.
The pilot scheme seeks to energise the city's Purple Flag Zone with fresh, engaging events that will take place between Sunday and Thursday after 5pm, bringing new life to Waterford after dark and diversifying its cultural and social offering for residents and visitors alike.
Waterford City and County Council has a long-standing commitment to support the cultural and creative life of Waterford, said a spokesperson.
'In 2025 the elected members approved a budget of €1.6 million to support festivals, cultural events, and artistic programming across the city and county.
'The launch of this new NTE pilot grant reflects and compliments that same commitment, with a specific focus on stimulating safe, inclusive and imaginative activity during traditionally quieter hours.'
Grants, ranging from €500 to €1,000, are available to artists, venues, businesses, community groups and creative collaborators who wish to trial events such as live performances, exhibitions, wellness evenings, guided tours, workshops, and more.
Collaborative, multi-partner applications with larger ambitions may also be considered, subject to available funding.
The project aligns with Waterford's Purple Flag goals, which are the recognition of excellence in evening and night-time management and the local authority's 'ongoing commitment to nurturing a vibrant, safe and sustainable cultural life for all.'
Michael Quinn, director of services with Waterford City and County Council explained: 'The NTE grants will give artists, groups and businesses the opportunity to develop night-time initiatives that not only contribute to Waterford's evening economy but place an emphasis on Waterford's city centre as a safe, accessible and vibrant place after dark.
'The importance of the nighttime economy cannot be overemphasised, and the introduction of new, engaging and value-added initiatives will only serve to complement and enhance what's on offer throughout the day.'
Jim Gordon, Chair of the Purple Flag Committee, welcomed the launch, saying: 'The NTE Pilot Grant builds on the great progress already made in enhancing Waterford's night-time economy. It provides targeted support to creative projects that bring life into the city centre in the evenings and encourages collaboration across the community.
'We're pleased to see Waterford City and County Council continue to lead in this space, helping to grow and sustain the Purple Flag standard.'
Applications are now open and the deadline for submissions is 4.30pm on Friday, August 22. All supported events must take place Sunday to Thursday after 5pm between September 4, and November 13, within Waterford City's Purple Flag Zone.
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