This Management Development Programme is specifically for Creative Entrepreneurs.
It includes 5 workshops (themes, dates and venues listed below) along with networking opportunities & one to one mentoring. 

Workshop One - Trends and how to apply them to your business
Friday 27th March 2026 (10am – 1pm), Creative Spark, Dundalk, Co. Louth 

Workshop Two - Preparation for Exhibitions, exhibition Opportunities & Open Calls
Thursday 23rd April 2026 - Evening Session, Venue to be confirmed 

Workshop Three - Grants, Cash Flow, Budgeting, Costings & Pricing
Friday 15th May 2026 - Time and Venue to be Confirmed 

Workshop Four - Photography & Video Editing
Friday 18th September 2026 - Time and Venue to be confirmed 

Workshop Five - Visit to Local Craft Studio & Talk 
Friday 22nd October 2026 - Garrett Mallon Design House- Garrett Mallon Jewellery, Carlingford, Co. Louth 
Time to be Confirmed 

This Management Development Programme is supported via Creative Ireland funding. 

Workshop one:

We will take a practical look at national and international trends in craft and design practice and identify aspects which can be applied to your enterprise to raise your profile and grow your business.

We will look at the landscape from markets and craft fairs to trade shows and exhibitions such as Maison et Objet, Shoppe Object New York and Collect London, Frieze London and the Venice Biennale. We will explore design festivals such Paris Design Week and London Design Week.

We will examine trade publication, market research and specific craft industry case studies.

We will map out possible routes to exhibiting at one of these shows and incorporating this into our business planning.

Please send any questions regarding particular shows ahead of the workshop.

Emer Ferran- is a seasoned mentor and advocate for art, craft and design enterprises’ professional development. With over three decades of experience coaching and supporting creative practitioners, Emer brings a wealth of insight into the growth and sustainability of a creative practice. Emer will offer tools and guidance to help artists align their creative ambitions with realistic and rewarding pathways. Whether you’re at an early stage in your career or looking to refocus your creative goals, this session offers a valuable opportunity to gain clarity, confidence, and practical direction.

She is strong on international trends.

Emer is a mentor and advisor on the business aspects of art practice. Emer is the Project Manager for Visual Artists Ireland (since 2023), leading on Lifelong Learning and the annual VAI Get Together conferences.  She holds a BA (Hons) in History of Art and Architecture from Trinity College Dublin, a Higher Diploma in Arts Management from UCD, and a Master of Business Studies from the Smurfit Business School.