Octocon, the National Irish Science Fiction Convention, is delighted to announce that we were approved for the Dublin UNESCO City of Literature small grants scheme supported by Dublin City Council.
The grant is provided to support literary activities and projects with special interest in projects that display innovation and diversity in line with the objectives of Dublin UNESCO City of Literature’s strategy over the 2020 – 2022 period and prioritise free and accessible events to the public.
As a non-profit organisation run solely by volunteers with a 32-year history of championing local writers and creators of all things Science Fiction and Fantasy, this grant will help us to set aside funds to
- Help cover the membership and travel cost of attendees who would otherwise not be able to attend Octocon
- Invite authors and creators who live further afield than Ireland or the UK
- Promote and fund the attendance of underrepresented Irish creators
- Help cover our venue, Croke Park, which is easily accessible by public transport, accessible to people with disabilities, and is working to become the world’s first “Age Friendly Stadium”.
- For those who are still unable to attend in person: we’re looking at ways to go hybrid and bring the convention to a device near you.
The Octocon committee would like to thank UNESCO and Dublin City Council for their kind generosity in helping us to support creators and fans of Science Fiction and Fantasy in Ireland.