Call for Leitrim Businesses: Spark Programme 2025 The Spark Programme offers Leitrim businesses the opportunity to collaborate with an artist for a three-week residency. This initiative, run by Leitrim County Council’s Arts Office ,supported by the Local Enterprise Office and the Arts Council, encourages companies of all sizes to explore creative possibilities and innovative solutions through artistic collaboration. What is Spark? Each year, three businesses in Leitrim are selected to work with an artist from any discipline. The residency lasts for three weeks, allowing the artist to engage with the company and explore areas of common interest. The focus is on creative exploration and research, rather than having a defined project outcome. Materials budgets are available if required. The project serves as an action/research initiative, where both the artist and company gain fresh insights and new ways of thinking. Why Should You Get Involved? For businesses that typically don’t engage with the arts, Spark provides a unique opportunity to explore how creative thinking can lead to innovation. Working closely with the artist, your team will engage in a creative process that may spark new ideas, improve collaboration, and challenge existing perspectives. This collaboration often leads to unexpected breakthroughs, helping companies discover new approaches to challenges. Moreover, businesses that complete the three-week residency can apply for a longer, more focused six-month residency programme, which has more defined outcomes. This can further deepen the partnership and develop a more structured plan for creative collaboration. How Does It Work? - Submit a short online expression of interest form by March 30th here .
- Artist Selection: Once businesses are chosen, the Arts Office advertises the opportunity to professional artists across the country. Artists will tour the businesses and submit proposals outlining their ideas for potential projects. These proposals offer insight into the artist's creative process and understanding of the business but are not fixed plans.
- Residency: Following the selection process, the chosen artist works with the business for an initial 10-day period, which can be taken in one block or spread over two months, depending on the company’s needs. While off-site and online communication can be part of the process, in-person interaction is crucial for the residency's success.
- Post-Residency: If both the company and artist find the collaboration valuable, the business can apply for a further 20-day project over the following four months. This next phase is more focused and anticipates tangible outcomes benefiting both the artist and company.
Benefits for Your Business The Spark Programme encourages creative collaboration and provides a platform for businesses to explore new ideas. It helps make connections and offers an alternative perspective that may not have been considered before. Participating businesses can expect: - Increased creativity and innovation in the workplace
- Enhanced problem-solving through new perspectives
- Potential long-term collaborations with artists
What Businesses Say Participants in previous Spark residencies have shared positive feedback about the programme: - Joe Dolan, The Bush Hotel: “It was an uplifting, fun and mutually beneficial experience for everyone involved.”
- John Mannion, Mohill Enterprise Centre & Mohill Computer Training: “The Spark programme provided creative inspiration for staff, students and customers.”
- Rosaleen Kielty, Leitrim Association of People With Disabilities: “It gave us new energy and challenged us to look at what we do for members.”
Apply Now If you are a Leitrim based businesses and this is of interest to you, please complete the expression of interest form here by Sunday, March 30th. For further information, contact the Arts Office at arts@leitrimcoco.ie Take this opportunity to spark new ideas and creative energy in your business through collaboration with a professional artist! |