Applications now open for Creative Schools programme

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THE Arts Council has announced applications have opened for schools to apply for the Creative Schools programme.

The 2022-23 programme is designed to provide opportunities for children and young people to build their artistic and creative skills and the Creative Schools Programme supports primary and post-primary schools and Youthreach centres across Ireland to put arts and creativity at the heart of children’s and young peoples lives.

Key supports offered by the programme include specialist support and advice from an assigned creative associate, training and networking, and funding to implement Creative Schools Plans.

The creative schools initiative has been very well received since its inception in 2018, with more than 90% of participating schools recommending the programme.

Speaking at the launch, Director of the Arts Council Maureen Kennelly (pictured) said: “We are excited to be able to invite the next round of schools to join the Creative Schools initiative. As part of the Arts Council’s ongoing commitment to plan and provide for children and young people, Creative Schools is a powerful project which places arts and creativity at the heart of young people’s lives.

We thank the Department of Education, the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht and all at Creative Ireland for their ongoing partnership in this important national programme.”

Norma Foley, minister for education said:“We are delighted to join with our colleagues in the Arts Council and in the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and invite schools to apply for Creative Schools 2022. “The initiative provides opportunities for children and young people to build their artistic and creative skills; to communicate, collaborate, stimulate their imaginations, be inventive, and to harness their curiosity. I commend all the schools who have undertaken this journey so far and look forward to a new cohort of schools beginning their participation soon.”

Each school taking part receives a grant and works with a Creative Associate who use their practical experience in supporting them to develop and implement their own unique Creative School Plan.

All department of education-recognised schools and Youthreach centres interested in joining the programme in September 2022 are invited to apply to the Arts Council. The final deadline for receipt of applications is 5.30pm on Thursday, June 2.