A significant report, Skills Challenges in the Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Cultural Events Sectors, published today, has highlighted the need to upskill people working in Ireland’s visual arts, performing arts, and cultural events sectors. Commissioned by Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet (CCIS) and delivered by Counterculture Partnership LLP, the report provides clarity around the current and future skills landscape, and talent development challenges and opportunities, within the areas of visual arts, performing arts and cultural events.
Gareth Lee, Network Manager at CCIS, said, “This report reinforces what we hear every day from artists, producers, businesses, and cultural organisations in this sector, which is that the appetite for learning and growth is strong. We strongly encourage all decision makers in the cultural and creative space, to consider how they can act on the information in this report to begin implementing strong supports for better data, certified continuing professional development (CPD), more strategic lifelong learning, as well as more advanced skills to meet the needs of the digital and climate transitions”.
The report also points to significant strengths in that Ireland’s cultural workforce is internationally respected, and recent years have seen renewed policy attention. Sector-wide initiatives from the Basic Income for the Arts to new Mentorship Schemes, and other strategic collaborations, offer promising foundations upon which to build.
Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, one of 70 Skillnet Ireland Business Networks nationwide, plays a pivotal role in this the skills landscape in this sector. Since its formation in 2023, CCIS has delivered over 250 training programmes to over 2,000 participants from across the cultural and creative sectors.
Through strategic partnerships with organisations such as the Arts Council, Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, Creative Ireland, CCIS has delivered impactful programmes including training masterclasses, mentoring schemes, sustainability toolkits, and resources tailored to SMEs, sole traders, and creative sector professionals. These initiatives are designed to respond directly to the sector’s most pressing needs, supporting not only artistic excellence but also leadership, resilience, and long-term career development.
The full report is available to download here.
About Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet
Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet is a government funded network that was established in January 2023 to support the cultural and creative sectors in Ireland through a range of subsidised skills and talent development programmes and initiatives that address identified sectoral needs and challenges.
To learn more about Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet visit www.creativeskillnet.ie
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/creativeskillnet/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/creativeskillnet/
About Skillnet Ireland
Skillnet Ireland is the national talent development agency of the Government of Ireland, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development. Skillnet Ireland partners with 57 industry bodies, supporting over 26,600 businesses and more than 97,700 trainees annually.
Skillnet Ireland encourages businesses of all sizes and sectors across the economy to avail of the range of Skillnet Ireland talent development and upskilling supports available through its 70 Skillnet Business Networks and five National Initiatives – Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, Skillnet MMC Accelerate, Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy and MentorsWork.
Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
To learn more about Skillnet Ireland visit www.skillnetireland.ie
Skillnet Business Network search tool: https://www.skillnetireland.ie/our-networks/
Facebook: @SkillnetIreland
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/skillnetireland
Instagram: www.instagram.com/skillnetireland/