Creative Connections
The Creative Connections programme builds on the success of the Creative Schools Partnership Programme in Northern Ireland and the Irish government’s BLAST (Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers) and Creative Clusters initiatives. This programme gives children and young people the unique opportunity to work with professional artists, bringing creativity and the arts directly into their learning.
The Creative Connections programme, working alongside the previously announced RAISE programme, aims to promote collaboration, encourage creativity and enhance educational outcomes for children impacted by social disadvantage in both Northern Ireland and Ireland.
On 7th February 2025, the Education Minister, Paul Givan MLA, alongside the Irish Government’s Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee TD, launched the Creative Connections programme. The Press Release can be read here.
Expressions of Interest to participate in Creative Connections are made by (i) schools and (ii) creative practitioners / artists in both Northern Ireland and Ireland each through an online form hosted by National Arts in Education, Tralee Education Support Centre. The links are open from Friday 7th February 2025 to Thursday 27th February 2025.
- Guidelines and the Expressions of Interest Online Form for schools is available here
- Guidelines and the Expressions of Interest Online Form for creative practitioners / artists is available here
National Arts in Education aims to notify all schools and creative practitioners on the status of their Expression of Interest in the week commencing 3rd March 2025.