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.
Guidelines for schools and creative practitioners / artists are provided below. Please note that the Expression of Interest process is now closed.
National Arts in Education have notified all schools and creative practitioners on the status of their Expression of Interest.