Date: 21 Jan 2026
Musicians from Across All Communities Unite Through PEACEPLUS: Turn Up the Volume for Equality €75,000 Programme.
Musicians from across all communities will collaborate, create, and connect through a dedicated music production initiative, as Póca Productions, in association with the Regional Cultural Centre and Donegal County Council’s PEACEPLUS Partnership, celebrate the official launch of the Turn Up the Volume for Equality Countywide Programme.
This project will bring together musicians from across all cultural identities to collaborate through music‑making and shared learning, centring on the seasonal theme of Imbolc.
Turn Up the Volume for Equality is a countywide PEACEPLUS Programme that aims to build thriving and peaceful communities through music collaboration, while promoting social inclusion and cultural diversity across all social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
Imbolc, the first in a series of music production residencies, will take place at the end of January. This will be followed by further residencies celebrating Bealtaine, Lughnasa, and Samhain throughout 2026.
Turn Up the Volume for Equality is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and is one of 32 projects within Donegal County Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan. The plan is providing €7.6 million in funding to support the delivery of peacebuilding projects across Donegal on a cross‑community and cross‑border basis between 2025 and 2027.
Speaking at the official project launch, Cathaoirleach, Cllr Paul Canning, and Chair of the Donegal PEACEPLUS Partnership, said:
“Peaceful communities are built on connection. Initiatives such as this play a vital role in encouraging intercultural and cross‑community engagement, supporting wellbeing, and building relationships that contribute to long‑term peace and social cohesion.”
“Turn Up the Volume for Equality will leave a lasting legacy. It will foster new relationships, reduce social isolation, break down barriers, and strengthen community engagement through music. For many participants, this programme will provide access to opportunities that are otherwise unavailable, with benefits extending well beyond the lifetime of the project.”
Camilla Meegan of Póca Productions said: “Music is a universal language and a powerful tool for connecting people. We are thrilled to offer this unique time and space for musicians to come together to collaborate and create under the guidance of our fabulous facilitators. We hope participants in the Turn Up the Volume for Equality music production residencies will enjoy the process, make new connections, and have some craic along the way.”
Jermey Howard, Regional Cultural Centre added: “Turn Up the Volume for Equality is about bringing people together through music, creating a supportive space where musicians can collaborate, learn, and develop new work. This ethos is at the heart of everything we do at the Regional Cultural Centre. We are delighted to partner with Póca Productions and thank Donegal County Council, the LCDC, and PEACEPLUS for their support in making this programme possible.”
The Bealtaine Music Production Residency will take place from the 8th to 10th May 2026. Applications will open in early April. To join the mailing list for further information, please contact mairead@pocaproductions.ie.
Through PEACEPLUS funding, Turn Up the Volume for Equality harnesses the power of music to promote dialogue, inclusion, and civic engagement, helping to build stronger, more connected, and more peaceful communities across Donegal.
Turn Up the Volume for Equality is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
