Cork County Council Launches Creative Spark to Inspire Young People Through the Arts

Cork County Council has launched Creative Spark, a new creative engagement initiative that will bring high-quality arts experiences to children and young people across Cork County. The programme will run through Family Resource Centres (FRCs), Family Resource Initiatives (FRIs) and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Centres.

Creative Spark has been developed in response to the needs of local communities. It offers young people aged 8 to 18 accessible opportunities to explore their creativity, build confidence, develop new skills and connect with others in a supportive environment.

The programme will be delivered through participating Family Resource Centres and Initiatives in Bandon, Skibbereen, Midleton, Cobh, Carrigtwohill, Beara, Mallow, Youghal and Dunmanway. CAMHS locations in Mallow and Dunmanway will also take part.

Each participating location will host two seven-week creative courses, delivered by Cork County Council-approved facilitators. Each FRC and FRI will identify the creative activities that best reflect the needs and aspirations of its young people, so the programme can respond to local interests.

Creative disciplines offered may include music and songwriting, film and animation, and visual arts, painting, drawing and craft. Performing arts, theatre, drama and dance, creative writing, zine-making and comic book creation, and circus skills may also feature.

By placing creativity at the heart of community settings, Creative Spark aims to foster self-expression, personal development, resilience and social connection among young people. It also aims to encourage greater engagement with local arts and cultural opportunities.

Cllr Bernard Moynihan, Mayor of the County of Cork:

“Creative Spark will provide young people across Cork County with meaningful opportunities to discover their creative potential. By working closely with Family Resource Centres and local communities, the programme will ensure that creative experiences are accessible, inclusive and tailored to local needs. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these courses will have on participants, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and form lasting connections.”

Through partnerships with trusted community organisations and experienced facilitators, Creative Spark will create welcoming spaces where young people can experiment, learn and thrive through creativity. The project is supported by Creative Ireland’s Creative Health and Wellbeing Programme, Healthy Ireland and the HSE.