Date: 10 Jun 2025
‘Creative Minorities’ countywide project launched, as part of the Donegal Theme 3: Building Respect for all Cultural Identities, PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan
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Donegal Intercultural Platform is excited to announce the launch of its new initiative called Creative Minorities which forms part of the Donegal PEACEPLUS Partnership Action Plan, which is providing €7,635,396.00 in funding to support the delivery of 32 peacebuilding projects over the next two years. (2025 to 2027).
The Creative Minorities project has developed an exciting programme of activities aimed at promoting inclusive leadership, cross-community engagement, and cultural understanding in Donegal.
The goal is to create a more peaceful, cohesive, and inclusive society by increasing the participation of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, including Travellers and Roma, in social and cultural activities. This initiative also seeks to foster understanding and harmony within majority communities. The design and implementation of the Creative Minorities Project was guided by the Strategic Vision, Values, and Themes of the Donegal BME Inclusion Strategy 2021-2026.
At the launch event held at Letterkenny Central Library on Friday, 6th of June , Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Niamh Kennedy highlighted the significance of cross-community and border programmes. She stated, "These PEACEPLUS programmes are crucial for fostering peace and reconciliation by building trust and encouraging dialogue among diverse groups. They allow communities to celebrate diversity, learn from each other, and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of various traditions and practices. Imagine a community where individuals from all backgrounds—cultural, ethnic, or otherwise—collaborate, learn together, and create something greater collectively. This is the vision we aim to achieve for every resident in our County.
”Cllr. Paul Canning, the Chair of Donegal PEACEPLUS Partnership, said “Over the next two years, this inspiring programme - delivered by the Donegal Intercultural Platform - will engage participants in a broad variety of cultural awareness activities designed to inform, connect, and inspire.”
The Project Coordinator, Balume Dube promised that Creative Minorities will offer creative, imaginative and participative approaches to building relationships and promoting the positivity of difference, diversity and intercultural engagement. Balume spoke to a packed hall with over 70 attendees representing local community groups , organisations and Council officials from across the County .
Guest speaker and academic researcher Helen Lowry, spoke about the powerful opportunity this Creative Minorities project presents to deeply challenge any negative and discriminatory narratives that are being promoted by a tiny minority and to… “ explore and celebrate the richness of ourselves, our diverse communities and the inclusive future we want to imagine and forge together.”
Intercultural Platform Manager Paul Kernan noted this is the very first step on a two-year journey together and he invited all of the organisations and individuals to take up the offer to… “collaborate in the activities and opportunities that the Creative Minorities project will deliver. We will be linking with community organisations, schools, local groups, faith communities and many others to celebrate, share and build solidarity within and between communities.”
For more information contact Balume Dube, Project Coordinator. e. Balume.dip@gmail.com t: 0833998265
Click here for more information on the Donegal’s PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan
