Tuesday 25th February 2025
Location: Kilkenny City
Kilkenny City Night Time Economy Diversification Fund ‘Café Lates’ Grant 2025
Under the Night Time Economy Diversification Fund, Kilkenny County Council is pleased to announce a dedicated call for “Café Lates,” a pilot grant initiative designed to foster a vibrant and diverse night-time café culture. Under Call 1, we are inviting local cafés located in Kilkenny city to apply for funding to introduce engaging cultural programming after 6 p.m. on the two dates outlined below:
Thursday, 17th April
Thursday, 29th May
The successful applicants must commit to extending their opening hours by at least two hours after 6 p.m. and enhancing their night-time offering on both dates.
As one of nine pilot cities nationwide actively shaping Ireland’s night-time economy, Kilkenny County Council is committed to enhancing the city’s after-6 p.m. offerings. “Café Lates” is a direct response to our night-time economy public consultation that aims to:
Diversify Nightlife: Expand evening options, offering an enhanced experience for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
Stimulate the Economy: Increase dwell time in the city, encourage additional footfall, and increase revenue streams for cafés during evening hours.
The types of programming we envisage and encourage include live performances from local bands, intimate acoustic and DJ sets, spoken word and poetry, comedy, book clubs, workshops and tastings, and themed nights. We also encourage programming that appeals to a youth audience, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
Who Can Apply: Cafés located in Kilkenny City that can host events and are interested in piloting evening and night-time events. Successful applicants must organise events that will extend their opening hours by at least two hours after 6 p.m. on both Thursday, 17th April and Thursday, 29th May.
Timeline of the Scheme: Call 1 opened on Monday, 24th February, and the closing date for applications is 5 p.m. on Friday, 28th March. Successful applicants will be notified in early April. All funds must be drawn down within two weeks of the event completion.
Organisers Website
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