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Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán are excited to announce the next call for applicants for our flagship FUTURE EDGE programme.

FUTURE EDGE will support leaders across the cultural and creative sectors to better understand and implement best practices in Sustainability, Ethical AI & Data Protection and GEDI (Gender, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion).

This programme is supported by Coimisiún na Meán and by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme.

Overview

In 2023 and 2024 Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet ran two successful programmes for FUTURE EDGE. Over a series of in-person and online workshops we engaged with CEOs/Company Owners/Executives across the screen industries. Participants included Cartoon Saloon, Element Pictures, Fishamble Theatre, Black Shamrock, Screen Producers Ireland, StoryToys, Sow You Entertainment, Jam Media, Great Island Productions, Keeper Pictures (formerly Blinder Films), Danú Media, Metropolitan Films, Raising Films, Virgin Media, Wild Atlantic Pictures and Piranha Bar.

Participating in the FUTURE EDGE Leadership course was a game changer for me and my career will reap the benefits for years to come. All three strands supported each other and offered a unified approach to leadership in business. Additionally, the hands-on real life examples provided by all the course leaders, ensured it was not just book learning but a more authentic, collaborative and immersive growth opportunity.

- Lena Byrne (Sow You Entertainment) 

FUTURE EDGE was a really well-organised and well thought out programme. The organisers and facilitators all did a really good job at delivering the course and also at creating a supportive environment among all the participants. The structure of the course worked well in terms being focused on some key topics and spread out across both hybrid and in-person sessions. In particular the kick off session and the personality exercise was very useful. I took part in the culture and wellbeing and digital transformation strands. The sharing between participants was integral to the course and it was interesting to hear of common issues in different creative industries. I intended also taking part in the sustainability strand but I ended up not being able to make any of the days it was on. Overall I found it very useful and I am very happy it was supported by Screen Ireland. One suggestion for the next time it is run is to spend more time on the practical details of carrying out the various initiatives.

- Elaine Reynolds (Black Shamrock – a Virtuos Studio) 

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Organisational Culture and Wellbeing programme. As someone working in a related field, I found the content both engaging and relevant. The program allowed me to apply my knowledge in practical ways, which was incredibly rewarding. The emphasis on active participation created a dynamic learning environment, and I appreciated that everyone had the opportunity to contribute their insights. Additionally, connecting with industry peers provided a fantastic platform for cross-checking knowledge and sharing experiences. Overall, it was a valuable experience that left a positive impact.

- Elda Pirozzi (StoryToys)

Schedule

FUTURE EDGE 2025 is split into 3 different strands running February to March 2025:

  • Sustainability
    and/or
  • Ethical AI & Data Protection
    and/or
  • GEDI (Gender, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)

Participants can apply to one, two or all three strands.

Facilitators: Native Events (Sustainability). Sana Khan (Ethical AI and Data Protection), Gorm Media (GEDI)

Structure

  • The programme will be bookended by an in-person induction session and an in-person wrap session with participants from all 3 strands of the programme joining together to share best practices and key learnings.
  • Each individual strand will consist of 2 x full days in person.
  • While each strand has a core curriculum, additional sector-specific content devised in dialogue with the selected participants may be added.
  • Finally, there will be individual consultations available with the facilitators after the programme is complete.
  • All workshops will take place at the Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor’s Lane, Dublin 8
  • Opening Induction: Full day, everyone attends. Monday, February 24th,
  • Sustainability Strand: 2 Full Day In-Person Sessions on Tuesday, March 4th, and Tuesday, March 11th.
  • Ethical AI & Data Protection Strand: 2 Full Day In-Person Sessions on Tuesday, March 18th, and Tuesday, April 1st.
  • GEDI (Gender, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Strand: 2 Full Day In-Person Sessions on Tuesday, March 25th, and Tuesday, April 8th.
  • Wrap Session Full day, everyone attends. Thursday, April 10th.

Output: Each participant will leave the programme with a new or updated policy around Sustainability, AI Use & Data Protection, and Gender, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.

Cost

€195 per person, per strand. A reduced rate is available for those doing more than one strand.

Strands

In-person sessions at The GEC will be held on Tuesday, March 4th, and Tuesday, March 11th.

Session 1: Unveiling the Sustainability Context for Decision-Makers

Format: In-person (Full day)

International and Local Landscape

  • Understanding of global sustainability pacts and how they influence the creative industries.
  • Impact of local Irish laws on sustainability practices.

Empowerment Through Knowledge  

  • A walk-through of the sustainability impact areas relevant to creative practitioners, mapped against the SDGs.
  • Hands-on workshop to draft a Sustainability Policy and Action Plan for your organisations.

Session 2: Case Studies – Where Theory Meets Practice

Format: In-person (Full day)

Case Studies from Decision Makers Perspective 

  • Focus on how decision-makers in similar roles have successfully implemented sustainability initiatives.

Interactive Breakout Sessions   

  • Small groups evaluate each case, dissecting decision-making processes, assessing outcomes, and identifying room for improvement.

Workshop to fine-tune the Sustainability Policy & Action plan from Day 1.

Follow-Up Consultation: Drop-in Clinic

Format: A digital drop-in clinic scheduled 1 month after the programme to ask questions and seek additional guidance. 

Helpful resources will be shared post-workshops with participants, including:

  • Sustainability toolkit 
  • List of sustainable suppliers in Ireland
  • Zero-waste design techniques, best practices for material reuse and recycling in production 
  • Templates to help manage waste and inventory
  • Carbon emissions calculator tools

In-person sessions at The GEC will be held on Tuesday, March 18th, and Tuesday, April 1st.

Facilitator: Sana Khan

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, its impact on various sectors, including the creative industries, becomes increasingly significant. This workshop is designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to harness AI effectively in an ethical way while navigating the complexities of legal and regulatory frameworks. The end goal is to enable participants to develop a comprehensive ethical AI policy tailored to their unique creative endeavours. 

Day 1: Foundations of AI in Creative Industries 

Morning Session: 

  • Introduction to AI Developments: Overview of the latest trends in AI technology and their implications for creative sectors. 
  • Legal and Regulatory Developments: Understanding the legal landscape surrounding AI and its application in creative industries. 
  • Overview of IP and Data Concerns: Exploring intellectual property (IP) issues and data privacy challenges associated with using AI in creative processes. 

Afternoon Session: 

  • Risks of Using AI in the Creative Space: Identifying potential pitfalls, including bias in AI algorithms, copyright infringement, and ethical considerations in AI-generated content. 
  • Practical Application of AI: Insights on how to integrate AI tools into everyday practices in an ethical way, enhancing productivity.
  • Interactive Q&A: Participants engage in a discussion to share their thoughts and challenges, paving the way for policy development. 
  • Drafting a Policy Outline: Collaboratively outline the key components of an effective and ethical AI policy and procedure statement. 

Homework Assignment: 

Participants will draft their individual AI policies, reflecting on their specific creative interests and work environments. 

Day 2: Refinement and Finalisation of AI Policies

Morning Session:    

  • Review of Draft Policies: Participants present their drafts for peer review, focusing on clarity, relevance, and comprehensiveness.  
  • Workshop on Best Practices: Explore existing successful ethical AI policies from the creative industry as case studies. 

Afternoon Session: 

  • Fine-Tuning Policies: Group discussions to refine individual policies based on feedback, ensuring they are actionable and aligned with industry standards.
  • Finalisation and Implementation Strategies: Prepare participants to roll out their policies within their organisations effectively. 

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this workshop, participants will:   

  • Understand key AI developments and their relevance to the creative industries. 
  • Be familiar with legal and regulatory considerations when implementing AI. 
  • Identify IP and data concerns related to AI use in their work. 
  • Recognise the risks associated with AI in creative processes and consider the ethical implications. 
  • Develop a comprehensive and tailored AI policy and procedure statement. 

Conclusion 

This workshop will empower professionals in the creative industries to navigate the AI landscape effectively, ensuring they leverage technological advancements while adhering to necessary guidelines and ethical considerations. Participants will leave with a practical and personalised AI policy ready to implement, making it a valuable investment in their future. 

In-person sessions at The GEC will be held on Tuesday, March 25th, and Tuesday, April 8th.

Facilitator: Gorm Media

The proposed programme will focus on fostering inclusive leadership and cultural competence to help leaders in the creative sector navigate complex issues around gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

Day 1: Foundations of GEDI in the Media Sector

Session 1: Introduction to GEDI in the Media Industry 

  • Overview of GEDI concepts and their significance in media.
  • Current challenges: Representation, inclusion, and equity in media organisations.

Session 2: GEDI Legislation and Policy Considerations in the Media Sector  

  • Overview of national and international legal frameworks.
  • Key policies and industry standards that promote GEDI.

Session 3: Practical Applications of GEDI in Media Production  

  • Understanding, Identifying and reducing unconscious bias
  • Case studies on media projects that have successfully integrated GEDI,

Day 2: Applications and Action Planning

Session 1: Sectoral Strategies for GEDI Implementation

  • Strategic approaches to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in media 
  • How to align GEDI with organisational mission and values.

Session 2: GEDI is Culture Management  

  • Embedding GEDI in organisational culture.
  • Leadership’s role in driving diversity and inclusion.

Session 3: Policy Development Workshopping    

  • Developing organisational policies for GEDI.
  • Monitoring and Measuring GEDI Success

Participant Profile

This programme is designed for individuals in leadership/management/HOD/Supervisor roles with a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a company/organisation or as a freelancer in the creative industries. An applicant can apply for one, two or three strands.

The nature of the freelancer or organisation/company’s business should include, but is not limited to: Animation, Visual Effects, Games, Film, TV, Documentary, Post-Production, Immersive Technologies, AR/VR, Virtual Production, Digital Media, Entertainment Events, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts.

The programme is also open to applications from individuals who work with representative bodies, stakeholder organisations, guilds, and broadcasters.

Application Procedure

Please apply on the Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet website HERE by Wednesday, 5th February 2025, noon.

If you wish to participate in multiple strands, we can offer this at a reduced cost. Please contact us directly at seansmith@furthr.ie.

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