Photo includes Godfrey McCartney, Community/Economic Manager, Armagh City and District council, Jill McEneaney, Theatre Director, Market Place
Theatre and Arts Centre, some of the participants of the “Creativity Thirst” project who attended the celebration and WEA tutor Geraldine Boden

Last week, local entrepreneurs had an opportunity to celebrate the Creative Industries programme: "Creativity Thirst". Business ideas which have been developed by the participants over the last few months are in Theatre Design, Graphic Design, Jewellery, printing making, film making and others skills which were represented in the celebration event.

The event marked the completion of this programme, which was developed by the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) and delivered in association with the Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, Armagh.

The Creativity Thirst programme was designed specifically to encourage people to look at employment opportunities in the creative industries, for those thinking of setting up their own business or hoping to gain extra income in the creative industries.

Godfrey McCartney, Community/Economic Manager, explains

"Armagh City and District council are supportive of any programmes which assist those businesses in the Creative Industries Sector. The creative industries are emerging as one of the fastest growing and increasingly important sectors of the economy. The most recent estimates indicate that there are over 2,500 creative enterprises in Northern Ireland, employing some 34,600 people. Having seen the evidence here on the "Creativity Thirst" Programme it is evident that a lot of good projects and ideas have come forward, Council is hoping to continue with its support for the creative industries sector."

Carole Kane, WEA Development officer also said,

"The Workers' Educational Association is delighted to have worked in partnership with Armagh City and District Council to bring this Creative Industries programme to these participants. This is one of four similar programmes being delivered across the province. Students have been given the opportunity to test their creative business ideas and ensure that they are economically viable and quality products and services. There are already positive steps which have been taken as a result of this experience"

Creatively Thirst was funded by the Creative Industries Innovation Fund which is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, (DCAL).