The Government of Canada is investing up to $2 million to help Canadian presenters discover, book and showcase Irish and Canadian artists as part of the Canada–Ireland 180 initiative in 2027.
GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 6, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada and Ireland share deep cultural ties, rooted in a long history and a cultural heritage that continues to connect our people today. Throughout 2027, the Canada–Ireland 180 initiative will commemorate the 180th anniversary of the arrival of more than 100,000 Irish people to Canada, giving Canadians and Irish people an opportunity to discover and celebrate our shared history.
As part of the initiative, Canada is investing up to $2 million through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to strengthen ties between the Canadian and Irish arts sectors and open new doors for artists and presenters. Today, the Government of Canada is announcing three initial elements:
- Direct financial support totalling $500,000 over two years to help Canadian presenters book Canadian and Irish artists.
- Easier access to Irish artists through a national, bilingual booking portal where Canadian presenters can discover eligible Irish artists, coordinate tours and present their work across the country.
- Support for Canadian presenters to participate in industry showcases, networking and booking activities.
To help make this landmark cultural initiative a success, the Government of Canada is collaborating with the Government of Ireland to connect Irish artists with Canadian presenters, including through support provided to the Canadian Association for the Performing Arts (CAPACOA), the International Conference of the Performing Arts (CINARS) and Folk Canada.
Quotes
"Canada and Ireland share deep cultural and economic ties, rooted in a long history that continues to shape both our countries. Through Canada–Ireland 180, we are strengthening this important relationship by creating new opportunities for artists and cultural organizations to collaborate, celebrate our shared heritage, and build connections that will last well beyond 2027."
--The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
"The Canada–Ireland 180 celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the deep cultural ties that have connected our two countries for generations. The performing arts are at the heart of those connections, bringing people together through stories, music, dance, theatre and shared experiences. For the performing arts community, this initiative opens the door to new relationships, artistic exchanges and collaborations between Canadian and Irish artists, presenters and organizations."
--Sue Urquhart, Executive Director, CAPACOA
"For CINARS, this project represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the presence of Canadian presenters at the Biennale, increase the visibility and discoverability of international artists, and foster new collaborations and touring opportunities. Our collaboration with CAPACOA allows us to combine our expertise and networks to better connect artists with presenters, support market development, and strengthen the circulation of the performing arts across Canada and internationally."
--Gilles Doré, Executive Director, CINARS
"Thanks to this funding in support of the Canada–Ireland 180 initiative, 50 Canadian presenters of folk music will gain access to new opportunities for international trade and collaboration at the Folk Canada Conference with an invited delegation from Culture Ireland. Folk Canada is grateful for this incredible investment from the Canadian government, and we look forward to sharing the many opportunities that will grow from this initiative in the coming year."
--Rosalyn Dennett, Executive Director, Folk Canada
Quick Facts
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund supports professional performing arts presenters across the country by giving them the means to present a diverse range of artistic experiences to their audiences.
The Canada–Ireland 180 Initiative was launched on June 13, 2026, through a joint statement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin on strengthening the partnership between the two countries.
In June 2026, during an official visit to Ireland aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed Canada's commitment to the Canada–Ireland 180 initiative by announcing federal funding of up to $2 million, matching an investment of at least €1.2 million (approximately $1.9 million CAD) from the Government of Ireland.
CAPACOA will deliver direct financial support to subsidize artists' booking fees and reduce presenters' programming costs, as well as implement the new portal. CINARS, CAPACOA and Folk Canada will also receive funding to support the participation of Canadian presenters in industry showcases, including the 2026 CINARS Biennale in Montréal and the Folk Canada 2026 conference in Hamilton, as well as in new showcases and networking events to be announced later.
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SOURCE Canadian Heritage
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact:Hermine Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]
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