Education Minister Paul Givan and Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton launched the next phase of the Creative Connections pilot programme. The expansion supports 12 additional schools in Northern Ireland and Ireland for the 2026/27 academic year.

The programme invites expressions of interest from schools starting today. Applications close on 6 May 2026. Schools in Northern Ireland contact the Department of Education at tpl@education-ni.gov.uk. Schools in Ireland contact creativity@traleeesc.ie.

Creative Connections forms part of the Shared Island Initiative addressing educational disadvantage. Since February 2025, it has paired 20 schools from Northern Ireland with 20 from Ireland. The programme works with 40 creative practitioners in art, music, drama and literature.

Givan stated the programme provides imaginative and inclusive learning opportunities. He noted it supports wellbeing for children and young people through collaboration with practitioners and cross-border schools. Givan encouraged schools to participate.

Naughton described the programme as enriching teaching and learning through creativity. She highlighted its role in connecting school communities across Northern Ireland and Ireland.