Northeast Creative Conversations programme holds closing event at Creative Spark in Dundalk

Photo: L to R – Francis Verling, Verling Consulting, Charlotte Barker, IDI, Pamela Kerr, LEO Monaghan, Padraig Cahill, OPUS Design, Breda McGuigan, Aura, Mike Treanor, Mullen Lighting, Sarah Daly, Creative Spark, Gary Clarke, Creative Spark

A vibrant congregation of over 40 designers gathered on Monday, November 13th, at Creative Spark in Dundalk, Co Louth, marking the closing event of the Northeast Creative Conversations programme (NCC).

This programme was funded by Creative Ireland through the Creative Communities Economic fund. It was a regional initiative spearheaded by Monaghan County Council's Local Enterprise Office (LEO) & Creative Ireland section, who worked in close collaboration with Creative Spark, Cavan, and Louth Local Enterprise Offices, Cavan & Louth County Councils, and Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Spanning from May to November 2023, the NCC programme aimed at empowering design practitioners and businesses to flourish in an era defined by innovation and digitalisation.

The project was led by Pamela Kerr from LEO Monaghan and managed by Francis Verling of Verling Consulting, the programme fostered a vibrant ecosystem for diverse design domains including industrial design, product/service design, visual communications, graphic design, UI/UX, interaction design, service design, and strategic design.

Key Highlights of the NCC Programme included:

Networking and Capacity Building: Through dynamic round table discussions led by industry experts such as Edel Treanor of Mullen Lighting,  Emmet Dunne of Kooba and Adele Commins of DKIT plus many more, participants engaged in enhancing networking opportunities, strengthening innovation capacities, augmenting digital skill sets, and accessing national and international markets.

Expanding Market Reach: Targeted discussions and collaborative strategies equipped design businesses with tools and insights to expand their presence across local, national, and international markets, emphasising avenues to elevate design work onto broader platforms.

Reflecting on the initiative's success, Pamela Kerr shared her enthusiasm, stating: "The NCC programme has been pivotal in empowering design practitioners, fostering collaboration, and equipping them with the essential skills needed to thrive in today's competitive landscape."

Francis Verling of Verling Consulting added, "Our focus on fostering innovation and digital prowess has unlocked new pathways for design businesses, leveraging their creativity and expertise towards greater success."

Phases and Networking Events:

Phase 1 – Design Innovation & Capacity Building (May – Aug): This phase included an Innovation & Digital Skills Diagnostic, mentoring for new product/service development, and five intensive masterclasses focused on refining skills necessary for product/service development.

Phase 2 – Design for Export (Aug – Oct): Explored international design markets through a conference delivered in the Ballymacscanlon Hotel on September 6th, export market development mentoring, and a study visit to the London Design Fair on September 21st – 23rd, offering first-hand exposure to global trade and networking opportunities.

Programme Events & Networking (June – November): A series of engaging events and networking sessions, nurtured collaboration and community building within the design sector.

Pamela Kerr reiterated the programmes commitment to nurturing design talent, stating, "Each phase and event within the NCC programme was meticulously designed to empower our participants with the skills and exposure necessary to thrive in today's competitive landscape."

The collaboration between the participants and the organisers has been instrumental in shaping a programme that empowers design enterprises, fostering growth and innovation.

Throughout the duration of the programme, a remarkable engagement of over 140 design businesses was witnessed, with 43 actively participating in targeted mentoring sessions and needs analysis. This collaboration has effectively forged a pipeline, enabling these businesses to tap into the comprehensive supports offered by their respective local enterprise offices.

Furthermore, ongoing consultations are underway for the development of a Phase 2 programme for 2024/2025, signalling a continued commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the region's design sector.

As the Northeast Creative Conversations programme draws to a close, the tangible impact created through active participation, tailored support, and strategic planning lays a solid foundation for the future. The programme’s success is not merely measured in its achievements but in the long-term prospects it has ignited for the design community across the counties of Monaghan, Cavan, and Louth.