This Management Development Programme is supported via Creative Ireland funding. 

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 (6-9pm), Creative Spark, Dundalk

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 (10-1pm) Creative Spark, Dundalk, Co. Louth

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 

Workshop TWO

Exhibition and trade show preparation, opportunities and open calls are key elements of creative enterprises and art practice. In the workshop we will take an in depth look at each of these elements and how to make them work for your practice. We will look at practical examples of approaches that worked well and common pitfalls to be avoided. We will work thorough an exhibition planning example and develop a personalised approach for each of you. We will develop a strategy for deciding which open calls suit your practice. We will carry out an open call, stress test it and identify and work on the building block of an quality submission. This workshop will give practical insights, motivation and confidence.

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.