RTÉ Supporting the Arts 2025 Review | January 2026 Events

In 2025, RTÉ proudly supported 185 arts and cultural events across the island of Ireland, reflecting significant growth since the scheme was re-launched in 2014, when 98 events were supported. This represents an impressive increase of almost 89% over 11 years, underlining RTÉ’s ongoing commitment to Ireland’s creative community.

The acclaimed initiative, recipient of the Business to Arts Special Recognition Award in 2018, has continued its upward trajectory, rising from 170 events in 2023 to 185 in 2025. This steady growth demonstrates the scheme’s vital role in sustaining and promoting cultural engagement nationwide.

The RTÉ Supporting the Arts scheme champions attendance at arts events across Ireland, embracing a diverse range of genres: from music, theatre, dance, opera, and poetry to visual arts, art exhibitions, children’s events, literary festivals, film, and Irish-language programming. In 2023, RTÉ delivered a 30% year-on-year increase in campaigns promoting Ireland’s rich cultural landscape, reinforcing its position as a key supporter of the arts.

Through dedicated promotion across RTÉ’s television, radio, and digital platforms, alongside extensive social media support and production services, the scheme remains a lifeline for Ireland’s creative and cultural sectors. By providing visibility and reach, RTÉ helps artists and organisations connect with audiences nationwide.

Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ, said: “I regularly point to RTÉ Supporting the Arts as one of the most valuable initiatives that we do in RTÉ. Having attended and enjoyed a range of arts events this year I continue to be struck by the rich and vibrant arts and cultural scene that exists in communities across Ireland. It is essential that we do what we can to support it. The investment in promotional airtime to allow so many important performances and events to reach audiences all over the country remains valuable and helps drive audiences through the doors of parish halls, community centres, theatres and other venues and locations that host these arts and cultural events. We are proud to support this great work.” 

This January, RTÉ is supporting 12 arts and cultural events through the scheme. Highlights include First Fortnight Mental Health Arts and Culture Festival (6–17 January), a pioneering initiative that uses music, theatre, film, and spoken word to challenge mental health stigma and promote wellbeing across Ireland. Also featured is TradFest 2026, Ireland’s largest traditional and folk music festival, which brings an outstanding lineup of performances to iconic Dublin venues, celebrating the richness of Irish musical heritage alongside contemporary folk artistry.

Beyond these flagship festivals, RTÉ is proud to support a diverse range of events showcasing the breadth of Ireland’s cultural landscape. From Dublin to Galway, Belfast to Kinsale, audiences can experience an extraordinary mix of creativity. Highlights include the major exhibition Picasso: From the Studio at the National Gallery, world-class chamber music with the Wigmore Series Dublin, and vibrant celebrations like The Kinsale Beatles Festival.

Theatre lovers can enjoy The Dead at MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland and the sharp, timely play Eureka Day at the Gate Theatre, while festivals such as Nollaig na mBan and Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women honour cultural traditions and female creativity. Galway hosts the innovative MfG Midwinter Festival – The Quartet Extends and Tonnta, brought to life by Gaillimh le Gaeilge, which celebrates Galway as Ireland’s bilingual city by inviting everyone to engage with the Irish language vibrantly and inclusively. The festival creates a welcoming bilingual experience for all—whether you’re fluent or just starting out—showcasing the spirit of a truly bilingual Galway. Belfast offers a unique cultural blend with FOLK iN FUSION – Belfast Meets Nashville brings together the rich traditions of Irish folk music and the soulful sounds of Americana in a unique cultural exchange. This vibrant event celebrates the shared storytelling heritage of both genres, featuring collaborations between acclaimed artists from Belfast and Nashville.

This rich mix of visual art, music, theatre, and cultural celebrations reflects RTÉ’s commitment to promoting Ireland’s vibrant arts scene in every corner of the country. For full details on all events, visit, rte.ie/culture  

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Neil O’Gorman, Corporate Communications Manager