New creative groups host first meeting

The freshly formed Waterford Creative Network (WCN) brought together a mix of local creatives at its first monthly meeting recently.

Hosted in Waterford Gallery of Art, the meeting marked an encouraging start for the new venture.

Started by local artist Niamh Ni Chearbhaill, the group will provide opportunities to network, collaborate and gain creative industry knowledge and support.

It is a networking and support group for all kinds of creatives who live or work in Waterford City and County.

It's run by creatives for creatives on a voluntary basis.

There are three ways to use the network, to attend the travelling salon, take part in group projects or join the WCN online network on social media and the WCN website.

An exciting aspect of the group is their ‘travelling salon’, which will visit areas across County Waterford each month.

The travelling salons are meetings where creatives can share their work and get feedback, listen to speakers, network and share contacts, and get support.

The group is meeting at the Lismore Heritage Centre at 11am on Saturday, April 25.

There will be a 20-minute talk on how to apply for funding, a chance to network, learn about what the group is doing, share creative works and get feedback.

The travelling salon will visit the following towns, one each month, ending back in Waterford City: Lismore, Ardmore, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Tallow, Portlaw, Ring, Cappoquin, Tramore, and Dungarvan.

WCN are welcoming all students, emerging or professional creatives; musicians, photographers, filmmakers, artists, crafters, writers, performers, and more who live or work in Waterford City or County. 

New members are welcome at meetings and online.

The group encourages collaboration on creative projects and sharing contacts or giving referrals. 

Support is also in the form of information dissemination both online and in the form of expert speakers on topics such as professional practice, curation and how to write an artist biography.