Creative Futures Academy (CFA) seeks proposals from staff and researchers at NCAD, IADT and UCD for public engagement activities to be staged in 2024. Selected proposals will be supported by a dedicated public engagement fund. 

A range of events or projects will be programmed, one from each of the CFA partner institutions (NCAD, IADT, UCD). Proposals should be relevant to the core values of the Creative Futures Academy initiative and support the key aim of generating curiosity about CFA projects and programmes. Proposals should prioritise activities that demonstrate collaboration and engagement across CFA partner institutions. CFA programmes and values are centred on a commitment to:

• • Understanding creativity and imagination as agents of positive change
  • Connecting communities of creative practice;
  • Instilling confidence and leadership;
  • Sharing knowledge and expertise for the enhancement of practitioners, educators and the cultural & creative sector as a  whole;
  • Encouraging divergence and risk-taking;
  • Embedding sustainability in creative practice;
  • Facilitating autonomy and access to learners.

A range of activities might be proposed within the CFA framework (as listed above): symposia, public talks, performances, screenings, broadcasts, workshops and more. If you have activities that are in planning, these may be considered, but only where CFA programmes and priorities are to the fore. The Public Engagement Group may work with proposers on events. All events must be framed within the practice of CFA. Proposals may be discussed in advance with the Public Engagement Group.

Proposals must: 

Highlight subjects and perspectives that are future-facing and agenda-setting — representing an interest in leading debate on the role of the creative arts within society; proposals must have a public-facing dimension.

Include at least one of the following:

 (i) Collaborate with more than one CFA institution (IADT, NCAD, UCD), other HEIs, industry, cultural or creative partners (see list below);

(ii) Engage with creative and cultural industries regionally and/or nationally

(iii) Speak to creative and cultural communities, engaging with relevant sectors beyond academia. 

(iv) Align to CFA courses in 2024  

Indicative timeline for proposals to take place: Spring, Summer and Autumn 2024

Deadline for proposals:

The deadline is:  9 February, 2024

The budget range is €500 – €4,000 depending on the type of activity, location and audience/industry engagement.

How to apply:

Please submit your proposal by the relevant deadline by filling in the form HERE and include the following:

Description of programme/project (including proposed collaborations/contributors etc). Detail how it responds to CFA values

• Indicative timeline and budget
• Target audience and sector
• Relevant partnerships/collaborators (see list below)

For any queries email: info@creativefutures.ie

About Creative Futures Academy

We are a ground-breaking partnership between three leading creative institutions: The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art Design + Technology.

Across state-of-the-art facilities, CFA offers short, part and full-time accredited courses in flexible, hybrid formats (online and in person) for practising artists and creative professionals looking to upskill in arts, media and design.

These new, accessible programmes reflect a dynamic industry and draw from a deep understanding of the creative sector. CFA offers a host of highly experienced academics, contributors and guests who are shaping the future of learning.

List of current CFA Partnerships/collaborators:

CFA Industry Council:

• Abhann Productions
• Arts Council
• Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
• The Institute of Designers Ireland
• Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE)
• Screen Ireland
• Screen Producers Ireland
• Words Ireland

CFA has also previously worked with the below:

• Dublin International Film Festival
• Galway Film Fleadh
• Skillnet including Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet
• Catalyst Film Festival, Limerick
• Theatre Forum Conference
• Institute of Creative Advertising and Design (ICAD) 
• Dublin Theatre Festival
• Design Opp
• Arts Offices 
• World Crafts Council Europe
• Visual Artists Ireland
• Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
• Virgin Media Television 
• Hugh Lane Gallery
• Circuléire
• Museum of Literature Ireland (MOLI)
• Business to Arts 
• Beta Festival