Creativity Chats

Creativity takes many forms — a handwoven textile, a piece of original art, a digital design, a craft steeped in heritage — and each carries within it a story. Carlow County Council's Economic Development Section, working hand in hand with the Library Service, is bringing those stories to life in a new way with the launch of Creativity Chats, a six-part podcast series presented by Alan Swan and funded by Creative Ireland. At its heart, the series is about transformation: how crafts, art, and design can move from passion projects to sustainable income streams, and how creative voices, both local and international, can inspire each other. The Creativity Chats podcast series takes listeners on a journey through Irish creativity, exploring how crafts, art, and design can become sustainable enterprises. Across six episodes, distinguished contributors share inspiring stories, practical advice, and expert insights to guide creatives on their professional journeys. The series includes "Crafting Success: Monetising Your Creative Skills", presented by Aisling Kearney Burke, highlighting how creative entrepreneurs turn their artistry into viable livelihoods and exploring funding, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities. "The Business of Creativity: Essential Tools for Growth", with Sophie Broadhead, offers a practical roadmap for managing and scaling creative ventures, covering business planning, financial management, and digital marketing. "Cultural Capital: Tapping into Local Identity for Global Appeal", presented by Roisin DeBuitlear, shows how heritage and storytelling can create unique, globally resonant products. In "Sustainable Creativity: Balancing Passion and Planet", Yosef Dvores examines eco-conscious design and sustainable practices that align passion with environmental responsibility. Finally, "Creative Networking: Building Bridges in the Sector", with Calodagh McCumiskey, explores collaboration and cross-sector partnerships, demonstrating how connection can amplify impact and open new opportunities. The series was developed by SwanMcG, with Alan Swan serving as the presenter throughout the podcast. Speaking about the project, Alan said, "Creativity Chats is designed to shine a light on the incredible talent within our creative communities and to share experience to assist develop each other. Each episode gives listeners an inside look at how artists, designers, and makers can transform their passion into sustainable, thriving enterprises. We wanted to create a platform where stories are shared, lessons are learned, and inspiration flows freely, helping both emerging and established creatives navigate the opportunities and challenges of their industries." Across all episodes, Creativity Chats celebrates the journeys, expertise, and ambitions of Irish creatives, offering a rich tapestry of advice, inspiration, and practical tools. The series underscores the idea that creativity is not just an art form, but a pathway to sustainable careers, community engagement, and global impact. Creativity Chats will be available to download from all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. The first episode will be available from 21st August 2025 with a episode published weekly until end September.