Create Networking Event 2026
Event
Create’s National Networking Event is an annual encounter of exchange and learning, providing a vital space for connection and discussion among artists, activists, researchers and other collaborators operating in the spaces between collaborative, socially engaged arts, community development, pedagogy, and politics. This event is a unique opportunity for those working in the field to meet with like-minded peers, to share and network, and learn from each other as well as leading voices in the field.
Each year we seek to engage with themes that are relevant to those working in socially engaged arts practice, providing artists, organisations and civil society with challenging and stimulating conversations that can inform future collaborations. We are delighted to work with partners Dance Limerick and the GAFF this year to offer this opportunity to meet, learn, share, and network together.
The title of this year’s event is Sustaining Collaborative Practice. Together, we will explore how artists and communities can create long-lasting sustainable work together, and how artists can forge a life-long career.
The programme of the day will include contributions from Jasmina Ibrahimovic from Rotterdams Wijktheater and the International Community Arts Festival (ICAF), who will present on her work with her local communities and what it means to host a global gathering of participatory, collaborative and socially engaged arts practitioners.
We will also discuss different models used by collaborative artists Tobi Omoteso, Tanya Bridgeman, and Lucy Hyland to build support systems, peer networks, and practices of self-care, and hear from a panel discussing different models which allow for sustaining, scaling or repeating work beyond short-term projects, with contributions from the Boys in the Making team, Our Place and Run of the Mill.
We will also hear from those with experience of working within the funding structures that shape and sustain collaborative arts practice, including The Arts Council, Creative Ireland, Business to Arts and Michael Barron from NB Social Justice Studio.
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Satellite Artist meetup
We are delighted to work with The GAFF and Limerick artists Gillian Kenny Shinnors and Carey Long to offer an Artist Meetup as a satellite event to our Networking Event. The Artist Meetups are a monthly gathering for artists and creatives (of all disciplines) providing a space to connect, share ideas, build creative networks and offer support. Pioneered by Limerick artists Gillian Kenny Shinnors and Carey Long, in partnership with The GAFF, Spacecraft, and Wickham Street Studios.
The Artist Meetup will take place on Wednesday the 18th November, the evening before Create’s Networking Event, at The GAFF and is open to those attending Networking Event. The event is offered free of charge, on a first come first serve basis. There are limited places for this event. Please register your place by emailing spacecraftlimerick[at]gmail.com no later than Monday the 16th November, 9am.
Venues and Accessibility
Established in 2013, Dance Limerick is a dedicated centre for art where movement and choreography are at the centre of the work. They create opportunities for artists, individuals and communities, to discover and participate in dance. Dance Limerick is an 11-minute walk from Colbert Train Station. The Performance Space is wheelchair accessible. There is limited paid parking and an accessible parking slot in John’s Square. There are also bike racks available in the square. If you require assistance for your visit, please do not hesitate to contact the Dance Limerick team at info[at]dancelimerick.ie
The GAFF building at 30 Lord Edward Street is a 15-minute walk from Dance Limerick. The building is fully accessible with wheelchair access and accessible bathrooms.
It is important to us that as many people as possible have an opportunity to experience our event. Those with financial, access or other requirements are invited to contact Create on info[at]create-ireland.ie before Tuesday the 27th October, to discuss how we can best support you to attend. Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpretation will be available upon advance request.
Transport
Trains from Dublin (Heuston) to Limerick (Colbert) run approximately every hour. There are also trains connecting Limerick to Galway, Cork, Waterford, etc. For timetables and more information about Limerick (Colbert) train station, see here.
In addition, bus route 300 of the Green Bus travels between Dublin city and Limerick (Arthur’s Quay). It departs every 30 minutes.
Locally, the nearest bus stops (for city buses) to Dance Limerick are at Upper and Lower William Street.
For those wishing to travel by car, we have set up a carpool for this event, to allow potential passengers and drivers to connect.
