Creative Schools/Scoileanna Ildánacha – Invite applications from schools across Ireland

Scoileanna Ildánacha/Creative Schools are delighted to announce that applications for schools will open 18 February with a deadline of 17:30, Thursday 19 March 2020.  

Further information on the Creative Schools application process will be available here in early 2020. Applications must be submitted online and schools are encouraged to register in advance.

The initiative aims to put the arts and creativity at the heart of children and young people’s lives. It will support schools to develop and begin to implement their own Creative School Plan. Participating schools will work with a Creative Associate to understand, develop and celebrate their engagement with the arts, empowering them to bring about real change in the way they work. They will draw on the range of resources within their school and wider community, developing new ways of working that reinforce the impact of creativity on student learning, development and well-being. Using the Lundy Model as best practice, schools will ensure that children and young people will have a central role in this process.

All Department of Education and Skills-recognised primary and post-primary schools and Youthreach centres who have not already participated in a previous round of Creative Schools are eligible to apply.

150 new schools from across Ireland will join the initiative this year.  Participating schools receive a package of support each year including training, up to nine days of support from a Creative Associate and a grant of €2,000 to implement their plans in 2020-21. It is anticipated that successful schools will continue in the programme for 2 school years.

Creative Associates – recruitment of new Creative Associates

In early 2020 the Arts Council will tender for a panel of Creative Associates to support the delivery of Creative Schools/ Scoileanna Ildánacha for the academic year 2020-21 onwards. Keep an eye on our website and newsletter for updates. The Arts council will publish more information here  in January 2020.

This is an exciting opportunity for artists, creative practitioners and individuals working in organisations in the arts and cultural sector.

Creative Schools is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme to enable the creative potential of every child. Creative Schools is led by the Arts Council in partnership with the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.