Creative Futures Academy was delighted to be invited to present at Creative Skills Week in Amsterdam. Director Louise Allen and the CFA team shared their journey over the past 4 years and delivered presentations on all that has been achieved through our partnership with IADT, NCAD and UCD.

Organised by SACCORD and ELIA, a globally connected European network for professional exchange in higher arts education, Creative Skills Week saw an audience of over 700 third-level educators, university leaders, vocational education and training (VET) providers, industry partners, SME’s and policymakers dedicated to the future of the Cultural and Creative Sector Industries (CCSI) gather in Amsterdam.

Panels led by a mix of industry and academic expertise explored themes including: The triple transition; European Skills eco-systems; AI & Immersive tech; sustainable creative careers; funding for CCIs, micro-credentials and much more.

Creative Futures Academy participated as part of the panel on Green Skills for Creatives and also hosted the session on Micro-credentials. It was an unparalleled opportunity to share the journey of CFA to date and a significant validation of the progress made in the delivery of micro-credentials.

In an EU context, Ireland is taking the lead (through the HCI-funded IUA micro-credential project and Europass) in the implementation of micro-credentials. From a Creative and Cultural industry skills perspective, CFA became somewhat of a poster child, and while CFA still has much ground to cover, a model to look to towards for the rollout of targeted, relevant accredited courses delivered across our three higher education providers: NCAD, IADT and UCD.  There was much to be proud of in Amsterdam, most especially the power of teamwork when instigating change across exceptionally complex systems.

Thanks to the Higher Education Authority and Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for supporting CFA on this journey.