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.
Speaking about the importance of the initiative, Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, reflected:
"Supporting craft and creative practitioners is not just about providing opportunities to grow their businesses, it's also about sharing stories that connect us to each other and to our place. Creativity Chats gives our community the chance to learn from creative journeys, both local and international, and to see how passion can become purpose."
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 "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 "The Future of Work: Creativity in the Digital Economy" Sheelagh Moloney shares a game-changing guide to building visibility, crafting your story, and connecting with the right people.
"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.
In "Sustainable Creativity: Balancing Passion and Planet", Yosef Dvores examines eco-conscious design and sustainable practices that align passion with environmental responsibility.
"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.
Finally, "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.
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.
Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, the series represents more than just a podcast.
"Carlow has a strong and growing creative community. This project is about giving creatives the tools, inspiration, and networks they need to succeed. By connecting practical business advice with cultural and creative passion, we are building a future where creative enterprise can flourish," Kieran said. He added, "Later in September, the Carlow and wider Irish craft community will have the opportunity to engage directly through a series of digital coffee talks, providing practitioners with a chance to connect, share, and learn from the contributors."
That vision is echoed by Caitriona Roberts, Creative Communities Engagement Officer in Carlow Arts Office, who emphasises the role of Creative Ireland in making the series possible:
"Creative Ireland is about connecting creativity to community. Creativity Chats is a perfect example of how we can support local talent, share knowledge, and inspire others. These stories remind us of the value of creativity not only as art but also as enterprise and innovation.". Catriona continued to that "Together, the podcasts and Coffee Talks create a living resource — a place where creativity, enterprise, and community meet."
For John Shortall, Carlow County Librarian, the storytelling element is particularly powerful:
"Libraries have always been about sharing stories and knowledge. What's exciting about Creativity Chats is how it connects that tradition to today's creative economy. Everybody can learn from everybody – whether you're a maker, a business owner, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories of creativity in action."
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 an episode published weekly until end September.