Youth Arts
Promoting quality youth arts practice in the youth work sector
The National Youth Arts Programme:
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supports the development of youth arts practice and provision in youth work settings.
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builds the capacity of youth workers and artists to create high- quality, youth-centred arts practice that empowers young people and supports their development.
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advocates for improved youth arts provision for young people in youth work settings and recognition of the value of youth arts.
The NYCI’s National Youth Arts Programme is a strategic partnership of The National Youth Council of Ireland, The Arts Council and The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
SPARK Youth Arts Festival
SPARK Youth Arts Festival is a national event to explore, discuss and celebrate the inspiring world of youth arts practice in youth work in Ireland. Take part and spark your interest in developing youth arts activities with young people and embedding youth arts practice in your work!
SPARK Youth Arts Festival 2025 took place from February 24th to March 1st!
Artist and Youth Work Residency Grant Scheme
Do you have a good idea for a youth arts project but need funding to work with an artist? Each year, the Artist and Youth Work Residency Grant Scheme supports partnerships involving artists and young people in youth work settings through its Youth Arts Explorer Grant (€1,500) and Artist and Youth Work Full Residency Grant (€5,000).
This scheme is managed by NYCI on behalf of the Arts Council and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
Youth Arts SPEAKS
Youth Arts SPEAKS is a youth arts advocacy group for young people aged 18 to 25. We are a bunch of young people who are passionate about the arts and creativity! Our group is diverse, drawing on a wide range of youth arts, youth work, and life experiences to advocate for youth arts and advocate through youth arts about issues we care about
Youth Arts Training
The National Youth Arts Programme offers a broad range of training opportunities for youth workers, practitioners and artists from 1-day events to summer schools and the NUI Certificate in Youth Arts.
Youth Arts Hubs
Our Youth Arts Hubs support training and development needs that respond to local/regional variation and capacities, help develop better regional partnerships and support youth arts provision in youth work organisations.
Youth Arts Toolkit of resources
Commissioned from a range of specialists, youth workers and trusted voices across the arts and youth sectors, our Youth Arts Toolkit of Resources includes practical ‘how to’ guides, workshop outlines and opinion pieces across 3 key themes responding to your needs and supporting our training programme: Inpiration, Policy, and How To?
Youth Arts Research Projects
The National Youth Arts Programme is currently working with doctoral student Saoirse Reynolds and partners, the Department of Applied Social Studies, Maynooth University on a research project entitled ‘Fostering young people’s creativity through youth work’.
The National Youth Arts Programme engaged with University College Cork to undertake a National Mapping of Youth Arts Provision in Youth Work Settings and launched a research report in 2021.
Youth Arts News
NYCI is hiring – National Youth Arts Programme Officer
The National Youth Council of Ireland’s wishes to recruit a National Youth Arts Programme Officer to work as part of its Youth Arts team.
Apply now: Level 7 NUI Certificate in Youth Arts
The NUI Certificate in Youth Arts 2025/2026 is now open for applications. We're delighted to be partnering with the Department of Applied Social Studies at Maynooth […]
A Celebration of Youth Arts and Skills Summary
“Nothing inspires me more than hearing about all your amazing youth arts adventures!” These are the words of our National Youth Arts Programme Manager Rhona Dunnett […]
Youth Arts Training
FAQ Session: NUI Certificate in Youth Arts 2025/2026 May 14
Join the National Youth Arts Programme team for an online FAQ session on Wednesday, May 14th 2pm – 3pm to find out more about the NUI Certificate […]
Youth Arts Publications
Mapping Youth Arts Provision in Youth Work Settings in Ireland
NYCI commissioned University College Cork to carry out this independent mapping of youth arts provision in youth work settings in Ireland. The research report outlines: What the nature and […]
NYCI Annual Review 2018
We’re very proud of what we achieved for the youth sector in 2018. With our members we’ve worked hard to make sure youth work is recognised […]
NYCI Arts Programme – Digital Filmmaking Handbook
A tool for inspiration, exploration and imagination in youth work. This resource is published by the Youth Arts Programme, an initiative of the National Youth Council […]