The Irish Life Creativity in the Community Award recognises partnerships that work collaboratively with community groups to address specific social issues through creative projects and programmes.

The shortlisted initiatives demonstrate meaningful engagement, community voice, and clear social impact, using creativity as a tool to strengthen connection, wellbeing, and local resilience. 

Dive into the shortlist

Divergently Together  Credit: Sheila Rooney 

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark & AlanJames Burns: Divergently Together

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and artist AlanJames Burns partnered to deliver Divergently Together, a cross-border community engagement project that empowers neurodivergent and disabled people to participate in climate action. Bringing together communities from Cavan, Fermanagh and Omagh, the initiative used creative workshops to ensure neurodivergent perspectives were included in conversations around sustainability and environmental policy.

Working with local participants, policymakers and businesses, the project developed practical tools including accessible “Know Before You Go” resources, sensory-friendly approaches and inclusive communication strategies. These learnings have since been adopted across Geopark sites, business partners and ambassador networks, extending the project’s impact far beyond its original participants. Reaching more than 45,000 people through workshops, exhibitions and outreach activities, Divergently Together demonstrates how creative collaboration can drive inclusion, strengthen community participation and shape more accessible approaches to climate action.

Welcome to Courtney Place. Credit: Marc O' Sullivan 

Iarnród Éireann & Artur Oner: Welcome to Courtney Place

Iarnród Éireann and artist Artur Oner partnered with residents of Courtney Place in Dublin’s North East Inner City to deliver Welcome to Courtney Place, a community-led public art project designed to revitalise the area and foster local pride. Building on a previous creative collaboration, the partners worked closely with children, parents and residents to transform a series of archways into vibrant artworks inspired by biodiversity, nature and the community’s vision for its neighbourhood.

Seventeen local children and ten parents participated in workshops, creative development sessions and the painting of the final installation, creating a strong sense of ownership and connection to the project. The completed artwork has helped residents feel more visible, valued and empowered, while sparking renewed momentum for further improvements in the area. The project highlights the role of public art in strengthening neighbourhood identity, confidence and social cohesion.

Roblox Raising Producers Credit: B. Haughey

The Digital Hub and HoloGen: Roblox Rising Producers

The Digital Hub and HoloGen created Roblox Rising Producers to introduce children from inner-city Dublin schools to game design, digital creativity and online safety using Roblox Studio.

Since 2024, more than 300 children from six schools have taken part, creating playable games while developing skills in problem-solving, collaboration and responsible online behaviour. The programme offers an accessible pathway into creative technology education, while supporting young people in creating digital content with confidence.

Festival of Voice, 2025 Credit: National Concert Hall 

IPUT Real Estate Dublin and National Concert Hall: Festival of Voice

IPUT Real Estate Dublin, the National Concert Hall and Sing Ireland launched the Festival of Voice, bringing performances, workshops and participatory events to cultural and public spaces across Dublin.

More than 4,500 people took part in concerts, free performances and workshops. By activating venues including Wilton Park, O’Donoghue’s and Doheny & Nesbitt’s, the partnership brought vocal music into everyday city life and reached new audiences. The festival demonstrated how creative placemaking can make high-quality cultural experiences more visible, accessible and connected to the life of the city.

Congratulations and best of luck to all the shortlisted partnerships! 

Warmest wishes,

Louise, Valerie, Rachel, Melissa and Nina.