Design project launched at Dundalk's Creative Spark

The Northeast Creative Conversations Programme launched at Creative Spark, Dundalk last Friday, 23rd June.

This design cluster development project funded through the Creative Ireland Creative Communities Economic Action Fund 2023, provides a range of new supports to assist design practitioners to network and build capacity by enhancing their innovation and digital skills and to bring their work to new markets locally, nationally, and internationally.

The programme is aimed at design businesses in counties Cavan, Louth, and Monaghan. Programme supports include a product / service development audit, Product / Service Development Masterclasses, Innovation & New Product / Service Development Mentoring, Export Development Workshops, Export Development Mentoring, Networking Events, and a Study Visit to an International Trade Fair.

Guest speaker at the launch was Charlotte Barker CEO of Institute of Designers in Ireland with a panel discussion led by Francis Verling, NCC project manager with Mike Treanor – Mullan Lighting, Breda McGuigan - Aura Internet Services, Padraig Cahill – Opus Web Design, Gary Clarke - Creative Spark Enterprise FabLab, and Pamela Kerr, LEO Monaghan the project lead organisation.

Sarah Daly Creative Spark who spoke at the launch said: “This is an exciting new Creative Ireland supported programme which will build the design sector in the Northeast and help businesses develop their capability in innovation and digital skills and better network to compete in national and international markets.”

The programme will run until October 2023 with more in from LEO Monaghan’s website www.localenterprise.ie/monaghan