No matter what stage you’re at in life or in your career, upskilling and expanding your perspective is always a good idea – particularly in a sector as fast-moving as the creative and cultural industries. Thanks to Creative Futures Academy (CFA), you can now embrace these changes in a flexible, industry-oriented format that works for you.

A groundbreaking partnership between three leading creative institutions – The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art Design + Technology – CFA is changing how you can access higher education, with part- and full-time accredited courses delivered in hybrid formats, covering a wide range of creative disciplines.

“These institutions came together because they recognised the different areas of expertise they have, in relation to the creative and cultural industries,” Louise Allen, Director of CFA, says of the partnership. “By coming together, they’re offering the most comprehensive suite of higher education for that sector.”

Crucially, CFA maintains strong links with the creative community through ongoing dialogue and engagement. By responding to the needs of industry, CFA designs flexible courses that allow for busy professionals to work and study. CFA’s Artists in Residence, meanwhile, include Jenny Jennings of lauded theatre production company THISISPOPBABY, musician Donal Lunny, and screenwriter Mark O’Halloran. A whole host of other industry professionals also contribute to the various programmes, including Creative Fellows Lucia Pietroiusti (Head of Ecologies at Serpentine, London) and Istanbul-based visual artist Banu Cennetolu.

“AI, immersive tech, and the whole digital transition in general is having a huge impact on the sector,” Louise notes. “The creative and cultural industries really are at the forefront of exploring new technologies, and using them in new and unimagined ways. It’s all about being on the ground, being in touch, and listening to what’s coming down the tracks.”

Embarking on one of CFA’s various courses is like “opening a Pandora’s box of discovery,” Louise notes.

“One of the most encouraging things for me is just talking to students, and feeling their energy and enthusiasm. They’re so empowered, because they’ve gained a whole range of new perspectives.”

CFA have a thrilling selection of programmes coming up in 2024, including courses in Writing for Stage & Screen, New Platforms for Artists, Creative Diversity, Art and Health, Fashion Communication, Art and Ecology, Typographic Futures, Electronics for Arts, Generative Arts, Multi-Camera TV and Radio and Podcast Production – to name just a few.

• For more information, see creativefuturesacademy.ie