When our work is dedicated to fostering creativity, well-being, and expression in others, it can be easy to lose sight of our own creative source. A recent research piece commissioned by Creative Waterford highlighted a shared longing among practitioners for a supportive reflective space to step away from the demands of day-to-day project delivery and outcome-focused work.
As a follow on to this research piece Creative Waterford will be piloting a support program for creative practitioners and facilitators based in Waterford City and County who regularly and consistently work with community groups either as part of or alongside their artistic practice. The pilot is open to applications from creative practitioners at any career stage and artistic discipline.
The aim of the pilot is to explore the potential to foster a resilient and sustainable cultural ecosystem for creative practitioners by providing them with “protected time” to engage in reflective practice and self-care.
To help you understand the intention and flow of the programme, here is everything you need to know about what is involved:
The Intention
This pilot programme examines how taking dedicated time out to reflect and reconnect with your own creativity allows you to nourish and sustain your ongoing facilitation practice.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is specifically designed for artists, makers, and creative practitioners working within arts-and-health, community-engaged, or socially engaged programmes who are looking for a supportive peer community and time out from outcome-driven work.
What are the key activities of the programme?
Each of our monthly sessions is designed as a gentle, creative exploration into the various aspects of navigating a facilitation practice, holding space for others and nurturing our practice through attention to our own wellbeing.
Our time together will blend:
- Creative Reflection: Making and reflecting without the pressure of a final project or deadline.
- Somatic Practices: Gentle body-awareness exercises to help release the physical tension of holding space.
- Practical Meditation: Accessible mindfulness tools to anchor your awareness and protect your energy.
- Peer Support & Learning: Safe, non-judgmental dialogue to share experiences, successes, and challenges with fellow practitioners.
When is it happening?
The programme runs for 7 months on Monday evenings from 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM. We intentionally blend physical connection with online accessibility to fit into your working life:
24th August – Session 1: In-Person Gathering (Location to be confirmed)
21st September – Session 2: Online Workshop
19th October – Session 3: Online Workshop
16th November – Session 4: In-Person Gathering (Location to be confirmed)
14th December – Session 5: Online Workshop
18th January – Session 6: Online Workshop
15th February – Session 7: In-Person Gathering & Closing (Location to be confirmed)
Expressions of interest
If you think this program would be of benefit and are interested in participating please express your interest through our online form here. Expressions of interest will be accepted up until midnight on Monday August 3rd.
As this is a pilot project we are hoping to have as representative a sample of participants as possible across disciplines, career stages, locations and demographics and so some questions will not be what are seen on a typical application form. If you prefer not to disclose some of the personal information requested on the form please answer the question with “prefer not to say”.
Please note that application does not guarantee acceptance to the pilot programme.
The pilot program will engage with nine participants. There is no cost for taking part and participants are entitled to withdraw at any time during the programme. As there are only a limited number of places available on the pilot, please consider your capacity and availability before expressing interest in participating in the pilot. We would also ask that participants attend a minimum of 5 sessions over the course of the pilot programme.
And then what?
We will be using this pilot programme towards a proof of concept for structured supports for creative facilitators who work regularly with communities. Combined with our previous research piece we hope to develop a support toolkit for creative practitioners, foster community and connections, and inform Creative Waterford’s strategy for how it supports the creative ecology in Waterford City and County.
Please feel free to contact cwaterford@waterfordcouncil.ie with any questions, comments or concerns you have regarding the Creative Facilitators Wellbeing Pilot Programme.
– T.