What is the theme this year?
The theme for Creative Schools Week 2023 is ‘Creativity Live Here! / Tá Beocht
na Cruthaitheachta Anseo!’
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
What supports are provided to participate in Creative Schools Week?
All schools will receive Creative Schools week posters by post in January 2023. Digital posters are also available to download from our website. There are also suggestions for activities and other resources available on the website. Remember, this week
is an opportunity to focus on and highlight creativity in whatever form you decide as a school.
Back to top
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/
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
Is it compulsory for Creative Schools to take part in Creative Schools Week?
No. This week offers your school community a focus and a platform to develop and celebrate creativity but it is not mandatory to participate. It is intended to be part of your Creative Schools journey if that is what suits your school.
Back to top