Louth students' sustainable fashion displayed in pop-up exhibition

Creative Spark hosted a one-day pop-up exhibition at the Downtown Hub, showcasing the creative achievements of local Transition Year students through the Fashion Forward Coláiste Chú Chulainn (CCC) pilot project.

The exhibition marked the culmination of Learning Lab 2025 – an EU Creative FLIP-supported programme promoting sustainability and creativity through education.

From 12 noon to 5pm on May 15th, visitors enjoyed viewing a striking collection of upcycled fashion pieces that had been modified and embellished using techniques such as screen printing, laser cutting, natural dyeing, tailoring and digital embroidery.

The Fashion Forward CCC project empowered students to reimagine fashion through a sustainable lens, with a strong focus on innovation and environmental responsibility.  

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Led by Gráinne Murphy, Creative Spark Print Studio Coordinator, and Oscar Díaz, Education and Operations Manager at Creative Spark, Enterprise FabLab, the project was supported by Kathleen Boyle and Fiona Thornton, both Teachers of Art, Craft, and Design at Coláiste Chú Chulainn.

Kathleen and Fiona played a key role in delivering the project — supporting students in developing concepts and mood boards and guiding them throughout the entire process.

The project provided hands-on, skills-based learning supported by local creatives and industry professionals.

Meagan McGuigan of Seeking Judy launched the programme with a workshop and presentation, sharing insights into her clothing line, Seeking Judy, and her experience working in the fashion industry. 

Blathnaid McClean of BEEZTI delivered the second workshop in tailoring, which proved to be extremely helpful. Following the session, the students applied the skills they had learned to create finished pieces, benefiting greatly from the experience.

The third and final external workshop was delivered by Julie Corcoran, a professional photographer.

Julie worked with the students to bring their fashion project to completion through a professional-style photoshoot, helping them achieve a polished final look. 

This is the third time that Creative FLIP launched an Open Call inviting Cultural and Creative Sector and Industry (CCSI) organisations and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop innovative co-creation projects with schools.

This round focused specifically on sustainable fashion and Creative Spark said it was proud to be selected to take part.

Through this initiative, students had the opportunity to explore creative and transversal skills while engaging in important conversations around sustainability and the value of protecting intellectual property and original creations.

The project aligned closely with Creative Spark’s mission to foster creativity, collaboration, and awareness of the creative industries among young people. 

A spokesperson for Creative Spark said: “The fashion industry ranks as the third most polluting in the world, after fossil fuels and agriculture.

“Fast fashion’s overproduction and disregard for environmental and labour standards continue to pose serious challenges.

“Learning Labs like this one seek to address these issues by raising awareness and encouraging circular fashion practices among the next generation.”

The pop-up exhibition celebrated the creativity, passion, and potential of youth-led innovation in sustainable fashion – leaving attendees inspired by what’s possible when education, art, and sustainability come together. 

 “We would like to express our sincere thanks to Creative FLIP for the opportunity to host another Learning Lab in Dundalk”, the spokesperson continued.

“Our appreciation also goes to Kathleen and Fiona from Coláiste Chú Chulainn for their invaluable support and collaboration throughout this innovative programme, and to the students for their enthusiasm, energy and creativity.”