We invite all schools (primary, post-primary, special education schools and Youthreach centres) in Ireland to celebrate the arts and creativity from 9–13 May, 2022.  The theme this year “Creativity Lives Here” focuses on the abundance of arts and creative activities that take place in so many forms in every school.  Creative Schools Week is a celebration of creativity in schools with a focus on fun, festivities, imagination and innovation.  What does creativity looks like in your school?  This week is a time to make space to share and celebrate the creative exploits of your students with your school community.  

All Creative schools will receive a digital school pack full of ideas, information and inspiration to help you and your students plan your participation and make it a cracking, creative week to remember.  Schools celebrating Creative Schools Week can share their social media posts using #creativeschools.

If you are a current or past creative schools you will receive your digital pack automatically. If you are a school who is not already involved with the Creative Schools programme, you can contact creativeschools@artscouncil.ie to receive more details about how to participate in Creative Schools week.

Check out our Padlet for lots of ideas to inform and inspire creativity in your setting: https://padlet.com/CreativeSchools/creativeschools 

Last year’s celebration included Online Celebrations highlighting work from a selection of Creative Schools and Creative Clusters initiatives since 2018, as well as workshops, interviews and features across a wide range of different artists and arts and cultural organisations.  We invite you to watch these videos with your students to learn about school communities across the initiative as well as their creative approaches to learning and artistic responses to Covid 19. Schools highlighted are a representation of the over 460 schools who have participated in the Creative Schools initiative since 2018   https://www.artscouncil.ie/creative-schools/celebration-2021/

What is the theme this year?

The theme for Creative Schools Week 2022 is ‘Creativity Live Here! / Tá Beocht na Cruthaitheachta Anseo!’ 

The past two years have presented challenges to our teaching and learning environments and staff and students in every school have met these challenges in creative and innovative ways.  This year the theme encourages school communities to pause and reflect on where creativity is evident in our lives, in every class, in every school and in the experience of every student. The week is a time to focus on celebrating this creativity, perhaps adding to the experiences of students in the form of events or workshops and providing a platform to show how creative each school can be.

What kinds of creative activity do schools carry out in Creative Schools Week?

All kinds of art and creativity! From drama workshops to creative writing to comedy improv to knitting and stitching, painting and baking. You decide! …. Creativity is present in many forms across the curriculum subjects. The many expressions and outlets for creativity reflect the individuality and the diversity of the students in your school community. 

Is Creative Schools Week open to every school?

Yes.  Creative Schools Week is open to every school and we warmly invite all schools to join in. There are resources on our website any school can use to help plan for Creative Schools Week. 

If you are a school who has not yet participated in the Creative Schools initiative and are participating in Creative Schools Week, please get in touch with us at creativeschools@artscouncil.ie  so we can share updates with you as Creative Schools Week approaches.

Our school is already in the Creative Schools initiative, have you any tips for Creative Schools Week?

Yes. Creative Schools Week is a great time to celebrate your journey so far in Creative Schools. You might want to showcase activity at an assembly or by hosting an exhibition. You could consider inviting parents or community members to your school for a celebration or showcase event. You might want to time some of your planned Creative Schools activity e.g. workshops, visits, creative activities during Creative Schools Week as well. Your Creative Associate and perhaps the members of your Creative Schools committee can help you decide what suits your school best.

What supports are provided to participate in Creative Schools Week?

Schools will receive a brochure with lots of ideas to start thinking about ways to become involved in Creative Schools Week. A digital poster will be sent to your school to advertise the week on your webpage and social media.  The Creative Schools team will send some updates with further ideas for activities and information about how your schools can celebrate.   Remember, this week is an opportunity to focus on and highlight creativity in whatever form you decide as a school.

Can I see examples of projects and activities that how schools have taken part previously?

Yes. You can view our Creative Schools Week episodes from 2021 featuring different types of school and settings sharing their activities. The episodes provide a great snapshot of creative activities and events, and you might like to share the link with your school community

https://www.artscouncil.ie/creative-schools/celebration-2021/

Does every class have to be involved in Creative Schools Week?

Schools are free to decide which classes will be involved and how. Some schools may decide to form an advisory group or committee to shape Creative Schools Week. Schools which already have existing Creative Schools advisory groups may wish to involve these groups in planning and delivering Creative Schools Week. 

Do all events have to take place within the school building and grounds?

Schools may choose to use this week as an opportunity to visit other locations such as a local heritage site, an arts or cultural venue, or a working project /workshop. Creativity is alive and flourishing in many aspects of community life with many creative experts in local communities and indeed amongst wider school communities. The great outdoors is also a source of inspiration for creativity and the natural environment has a wealth of resources to use as part of teaching, learning and engagement in a creative way.  Schools may be planning such experiences already with their Creative Associate and can schedule some of these activities during the celebration week if they so wish.

Who should we tell about Creative Schools Week?

It is very valuable to inform school communities, including parents, about events and activities that will take place during Creative Schools Week so that they can also feel like a part of the celebration.  Schools may wish to send updates on Creative Schools Week through their school newsletter or website.  Creative Schools Week is also a good time to connect with local press and media. If you would like to receive a template press release that can be adapted for your school, please contact the Creative Schools team at creativeschools@artcouncil.ie.