Voluntary Arts Ireland is a charity that encourages people to take part in the arts or crafts because we are passionate about its power to transform lives and communities. We inform and enthuse the public and encourage local arts groups to grow so there are enough opportunities for everyone to have a go, whatever their needs, tastes or circumstances.

We provide support, information and advice to volunteer-led arts groups and represent their interests to government. We work in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and, we are part of the Voluntary Arts Network (VAN) with sister organisations in England, Scotland and Wales. Read more about us.

Arts are good for older people...
and older people are good for the arts.
Find out more by reading profiles of the Bealtaine Festival, U3A Foyle, the Bannside Scribblers, Arts for Older People Network and the Newcestown Friendship Group and more about arts organised for, and by, older volunteers.
Download the report free of charge from www.vaireland.org/b12601

Read what Voluntary Arts Ireland have been doing in the past two years.

The Young Adults & Voluntary Arts Workpack, 2007, is our latest resource to help local, volunteer-led arts and crafts groups get the best out of their activities.

Straightforward, step-by-step approach to help new and existing groups to achieve their goals. Includes explanations, further readings, additional resources and worksheets. Further details and order form at www.vaireland.org/b11673

Just to keep you up to date with the Carnegie funded Celtic Neighbours project that our colleagues in Voluntary Arts Wales are leading on. This will be of interest to all groups engaged in rural arts for community development in the context of the Gaelic languages.