ArtsEkta is delighted to announce that it has been awarded €180,000 in funding from Rethink Ireland through the Entrepreneurship Impact Fund, a landmark investment that will play a vital role in realising the organisation’s long-term vision for a more inclusive, culturally confident, and socially connected Ireland.

This support represents a major turning point in ArtsEkta’s evolution, enabling the organisation to deepen its impact across the Republic of Ireland and expand its unique approach to intercultural practice at a national scale.

At a time when Ireland is becoming increasingly diverse, the need for cultural spaces that reflect and celebrate this diversity has never been greater. ArtsEkta’s growth strategy outlines an ambitious roadmap to engage tens of thousands of people annually through large-scale cultural events, community-led arts projects, and inclusive creative experiences that encourage connection, understanding, and shared pride among Ireland’s many communities.

The Rethink Ireland funding will accelerate this vision by strengthening ArtsEkta’s operational foundations, expanding its regional presence, and supporting the development of a skilled, representative network of artists, facilitators, and cultural partners. Through this investment, ArtsEkta will be empowered to address the growing demand for year-round multicultural programming and to build meaningful partnerships that enhance community cohesion and cultural participation across cities, towns, and rural areas.

More importantly, this funding enables ArtsEkta to create a legacy that extends far beyond the delivery of programmes. It will allow the organisation to embed intercultural arts firmly within Ireland’s cultural and social landscape, contributing to a long-term shift in how diversity, identity, and belonging are understood and celebrated. By nurturing community leadership, expanding access to the arts for marginalised groups, and promoting authentic storytelling and cultural expression, ArtsEkta aims to help shape a future where intercultural creativity is recognised as an essential part of Ireland’s national identity. The investment supports the organisation’s ambition to build sustainable structures that will influence future generations, ensuring that multiculturalism is not simply acknowledged but championed as a core element of Ireland’s evolving cultural heritage.

Speaking on the announcement, Founder and Chief Executive of ArtsEkta, Dr. Nisha Tandon OBE said: “This support from Rethink Ireland is transformative. It allows us not only to strategically expand our work into the Republic of Ireland but to embed meaningful, lasting change. Together, we are building an inclusive cultural future—one where every community sees itself reflected, valued, and celebrated, and where the arts continue to unite people across differences.”

Clare Allen, Interim Head of Social Enterprise from Rethink Ireland said: “ArtsEkta is one of five fantastic organisations awarded funding on Rethink Ireland’s Entrepreneurship Impact Fund Strand 3: Minority Entrepreneurship Fund. With a proven track record of running large-scale cultural diversity events in Belfast, we are excited to support them on their journey to expand into the Republic of Ireland.”

ArtsEkta looks forward to this next chapter of growth and collaboration and remains committed to working with communities, partners, and cultural leaders nationwide to create a more connected, vibrant, and inclusive Ireland through the power of the arts.