About GICA

About Great Island Creative Arts

Mission:

Great Island Creative Arts exists to promote, support and advance the creative arts, literature and cultural heritage for the benefit of the community in Cobh and the wider Cork Harbour area. We encourage participation, nurture talent and present work across poetry, storytelling, visual art, performance and community culture. We value inclusion, accessibility and fair pay for creative work.

What we do:

  • Produce and support public arts initiatives and events
  • Provide open platforms for local voices and visiting artists
  • Facilitate workshops, talks and learning opportunities
  • Publish and exhibit new work in print and digital formats
  • Build partnerships with community, cultural and educational groups

Trustees and Committee:

Great Island Creative Arts is overseen by a volunteer board of trustees who set strategy, ensure good governance and safeguard the organisation’s purpose. An operations committee manages day-to-day activity, budgets and programmes. Sub-groups are formed as needed for specific projects.

  • Trustees: governance, compliance, risk, finance and safeguarding
  • Committee: programming, production, communications and fundraising
  • Code of conduct: all officers follow our conflict-of-interest, data protection, safeguarding and dignity-at-work policies

CLG and Charity Status:

  • Company status: Application to incorporate as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) is under way. The CLG will operate on a not-for-profit basis with no share capital.
  • Charitable status: Following incorporation, we will apply to the Charities Regulator for registration as a charity. Until registration is confirmed, donations are not tax-deductible as charitable gifts.
  • Reporting: When incorporated, the CLG will file annual returns with the Companies Registration Office and, once registered, comply with the Charities Governance Code and reporting requirements of the Charities Regulator.

Governance and Policies:

We are committed to transparent, ethical practice. Core documents include:

  • Constitution and objects (CLG)
  • Governance handbook and board terms of reference
  • Financial procedures and reserves policy
  • Safeguarding policy (children and vulnerable adults)
  • Dignity at work and equal opportunities policy
  • Privacy and data protection policy (GDPR)
  • Artist engagement and #PayTheArtist commitment
    Copies are available on request.

Funding and Support:

Activity is funded through a mix of grants, sponsorship, earned income and donations. We welcome partnerships that align with our mission and values. Support can include project sponsorship, in-kind services, venue support and volunteer time.

Get involved:

  • Propose a project or collaboration
  • Volunteer at events
  • Sponsor a programme or commission
  • Submit work for publication or performance
  • Join our mailing list for updates

Contact:

General enquiries: greatislandcreativearts@gmail.com
Press and partnerships: greatislandcreativearts@gmail.com
Postal address and company number will be published after incorporation.

Great Island Creative Arts is based on the Great Island, serving Cobh and the wider Cork Harbour community.