Taoiseach and Minister O’Donovan Celebrate Shared Island Creativity at Creative Ireland’s Shared Island Conference, in Croke Park, Dublin
- Published on: 13 November 2025
- Last updated on: 13 November 2025
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, today addressed more than 300 guests at the Creative Ireland Shared Island conference in Croke Park, Dublin.
The event, Creativity Connecting People, celebrated the achievements of 47 Shared Island projects that have fostered partnerships, creativity, and lasting friendships across the island since 2023.
Speaking at the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“The Shared Island initiative is about building connections between people, communities and traditions across our island. Through shared creativity, we can see a more expansive common ground of understanding and cultural appreciation emerge; in music, in art, in storytelling, and in the bonds that grow from these collaborations.
The Creative Ireland Programme has shown how imagination and shared purpose can help us shape a brighter, more connected future for everyone who calls this island home”.
Hosted by journalist Dearbhail McDonald, the conference featured performances from Music Generation Laois, Sharing Songs - Unforgettable Voices, and young artists from Circus Explored, alongside panel discussions and exhibitions exploring experiences and learnings from the Creative Ireland Shared Island initiative.
Speaking at the event, Minister Patrick O’Donovan said:
“I was struck by the footprint of Creative Ireland’s Shared Island projects seen here today; there are 47 projects based in 23 counties throughout the island, with each province represented. The strength of the Shared Island initiative lies in its focus on community-to-community connection, inspiring pride, passion and lifelong friendships.
We are witnessing first-hand the transformative power of creativity to bring people together, foster dialogue, and strengthen relationships across the island of Ireland.
Today is a celebration of that spirit of cooperation and shared imagination”
Since 2023, the Creative Ireland Programme has invested €6 million across its five pillars; Creative Communities, Creative Youth, Creative Health and Wellbeing, Creative Climate Action, and Creative Industries, to support creativity and collaboration across the Island of Ireland.
ENDS.
Notes to Editors
- For more information on today’s event visit www.creativeirelandconference.ie
- For more information about the Creative Ireland Programme and the Shared Island initiative visit www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/publications/creative-ireland-shared-island-initiative-2023-25/