Fund Support for 2025!
We’re delighted to share that Inclusive Dance Cork (IDC), has been selected as one of seven awardees of the Resilient Cork Fund! This funding will support IDC’s work in 2025, continuing its mission to make dance accessible to all, foster creativity, and break down barriers for diverse communities.
The Resilient Cork Fund, created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with philanthropic donors and the Department of Rural and Community Development, supports organisations tackling inequality, promoting social inclusion, and strengthening mental health resilience across Cork. IDC’s inclusion highlights the impact of its pioneering inclusive dance programs, developed in partnership with University College Cork (UCC), Suisha Inclusive Arts/Cope Foundation, and Cork Education and Training Board.
Yvonne Coughlan, Chair of Dance Cork Firkin Crane and a founding member of IDC, expressed her gratitude for this support:
"This funding strengthens our ability to bring inclusive dance to more people, ensuring that creativity and movement are accessible to all. It’s a recognition of the dedication and collaboration behind IDC’s work."
This follows IDC’s recent success in securing the Business to Arts Community Foundation Ireland Creative Access Award 2024, further cementing its role as a leader in inclusive dance education. The award sculpture, Geallta (Promise), by Emmet Kane, will be proudly displayed at Dance Cork Firkin Crane, symbolising the power of partnership in the arts.
A huge thank you to Rethink Ireland and all funding partners for investing in a more equal and creative Cork!
#InclusiveDance #ResilientCork #CommunityDevelopment #Equality #SocialInclusion
Pictured left to right: Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD; Denise Charlton, CEO of the Community Foundation for Ireland; Rhona Coughlan, Artistic Director of Inclusive Dance Cork; Yvon Bonenfant, Head of UCC Department of Theatre; Yvonne Coughlan, Chair of Dance Cork Firkin Crane, and Louise O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Business to Arts.
Image Credit: Conor McCabe and Andres Poveda.
Inclusive Dance Cork celebrated the Business to Arts Community Foundation Ireland Creative Access Award 2024 at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, Sept. 9th, 2024. The award marked a groundbreaking partnership between UCC and DCFC, creating Ireland’s first university-accredited micro-credentials in inclusive dance with IDC.
Autumn Course 2025
Applications are now OPEN for our free 10-week Inclusive Dance Cork training programme this autumn!
Inclusive Dance Cork is delighted to announce a new 10-week training programme for people with and without disabilities who are interested in learning inclusive dance methods, starting this September at Dance Cork Firkin Crane.
Enrolment is open to adults (ages 18+) of all abilities, with or without previous dance experience. Most important is a love of movement, an openness to learning new things, and an interest in working in an inclusive environment. The course is free to attend.
Who's it for? Adults (18+) of all abilities — no dance experience needed!
Where? Dance Cork Firkin Crane
When? Thursdays, 4 Sept–20 Nov | 10am–1pm (+ optional QQI afternoons)
QQI Level 4 Teamworking Certificate available!
Apply now by emailing louisa@firkincrane.ie with an expression of interest before 22nd August!
QQI Level 4 Accreditation:
All participants will be offered the chance to gain a QQI Level 4 certification in Teamworking (Module 4N1169). This module equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to take part effectively as a member of a team. It includes understanding the dynamics of team collaboration, stages of team development, and strengthening communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
About Inclusive Dance Cork
Inclusive Dance Cork (IDC) is a training programme for people with and without disabilities who are interested in learning inclusive dance methods. Designed to foster expressive movement, it provides dancers with the opportunity to explore different ways of dancing, facilitating, and supporting dancers of all abilities.
A project of Dance Cork Firkin Crane, IDC partners with Cork Education and Training Board and Horizons Cork | Suisha Inclusive Arts
IDC is kindly supported by Rethink Ireland's Resilient Cork Fund 2025 alongside local business and donor support. We gratefully acknowledge the additional support of CCP SICAP, Cork City LCDC, Government of Ireland and the EU in the delivery of this 10 week programme.
#InclusiveDanceCork #QQICourse #InclusiveArts #Dance #ArtsForAll
