Kabin Studio benefits from arts fund
Well known Cork group The Kabin Studio has been selected to share a pot worth €750,000.
The northside initiative is one of four non-profit organisations selected by Rethink Ireland under a three-year Inclusive Arts Fund worth €750,000.
The Inclusive Arts Fund aims to broaden participation in arts and culture across Ireland. Each organisation will receive support in the form of a cash grant, a place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme, and tailored business supports to help strengthen their operations, increase their impact, and ensure organisational sustainability.
The Kabin Studio, a nonprofit community recording studio in Knocknaheeny, has become well known both in Ireland and internationally.
The hit song ‘The Spark’ was created in its studio space by a group of Cork children under the guidance of mentor and studio founder Garry McCarthy, gaining millions of views across social media, and eventually going on to win the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Song of The Year 2025.
Garry McCarthy, Creative Director at the Kabin Studio, said: “The Rethink Ireland Inclusive Arts funding will be transformative for The Kabin Studio. It will allow us to strengthen and upskill our core team, deepen our support for marginalised young people, and build long-term sustainability while staying true to our youth-led, community-rooted ethos.
“Most importantly, it will give young people the time, space and belief to continue shaping culture on their own terms through rap, songwriting, performance and creative digital media.”
Pádraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager at Rethink Ireland, said: “The arts should be inclusive to everyone; not just those privileged enough to be able to access them due to where they're based, what they can afford, where they went to school, or what their personal circumstances might be.”
The Inclusive Arts Fund is created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with the Tomar Trust, the Drouillard Family Fund (via Community Foundation of Ireland), and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht via the Dormant Accounts Fund.