Creative West Ireland: A Journey Without Borders

The presentation opened by tracing the early foundations of this work. Landmark initiatives such as the Creative West report and the Creative Edge project quantified the strengths of the region’s creative sector and created its first internationalisation pathways. Early outputs including MyCreativeEdge.eu, talent vouchers, and student and SME innovation projects were highlighted as practical tools that helped build a culture of collaboration across borders.

This groundwork led into Creative Momentum, a two million euro transnational project that expanded digital platforms, strengthened professional networks, and delivered mentoring and events across the partner regions. An independent assessment later showed clear economic impact, with creative industries contributing an estimated seven hundred and twenty nine million euro to the western regional economy by 2016. As Brannigan noted, creativity is both a cultural expression and a way for places to embed experience and identity.

The session then moved to more recent developments. Brannigan outlined how the opening of the CREW Creative Enterprise Hub in Galway has supported recovery and resilience since COVID nineteen by offering dedicated facilities for creative start ups and deepening links with universities and local agencies. He also discussed the growing potential of literary tourism and immersive technology, with Imelda McCarron of the WDC adding context from recent NPA projects. Gillian Buckley of the WDC contributed insights on access to finance and the role of regionally focused investment models, drawing on the experience of the WRAP Fund in driving film and creative production in the West.

Looking ahead, participants were given an overview of the emerging Creative West two point zero strategy, which sets out a long term vision for a one billion euro sector that could support up to twenty thousand jobs. Priorities include integration into regional planning, greater access to finance, digital transformation, and strengthening the global identity of the Creative West.

The discussion concluded with a shared message that creativity, when supported through partnership and sustained investment, becomes a catalyst for economic opportunity, community renewal, and stronger connections across the NPA region.

Watch the recording of the session