Creative Connections

What was Creative Connections?

Creative Connections was a cross-border creative writing project by Fighting Words, Fighting Words NI and Graffiti Theatre Company, funded by Creative Ireland.

From October 2024 to June 2025, we worked with community groups in Belfast, Newry, Armagh, Louth, Monaghan, Dublin and Cork. The project was open to young people aged 15–24 and each programme was delivered by professional artists.

Groups were paired with a group across the border, and together they embarked on a shared writing quest. Each pairing decided on a creative goal to work towards. This might have been a play, a song or a collection of stories – it was up to the participants to decide!

What did the project involve?

Our team visited the youth group's space to deliver a series of fun, engaging writing workshops tailored to the needs and schedule of the group. Workshops took place over 6–8 weeks and were 1.5–2 hours long.

We focused on imagination and creativity rather than word count, spelling or grammar (those things were important but editing came later!). Participants didn’t need any experience with creative writing to take part – everyone was able to participate, no matter their confidence level.

Each pairing included three opportunities for the groups to get together. Each group visited the other in their own space, plus a third meet-up in another local venue. 

Each pairing decided together how they would collaborate, choosing which styles of writing they wanted to explore (e.g. stories, scripts, songs, poetry) and how they wanted to showcase their work (e.g. in a print publication, a podcast or a performance).

Who Took Part

Facilitators

Fionnuala Cassidy, Emily DeDakis, Fiona Lawton, Calvin Magee, David Maine, Niamh McNally, Barry Morgan, Donna O'Keeney & Cian Ó Náirigh.

Participating Groups

Write Quest FW, Dublin – Paired with Write Quest FWNI Belfast

These groups were made up of young people who attend weekly free writing workshops at Fighting Words. Both groups were dedicated to creative writing and brought huge enthusiasm, imagination and generosity to the project. Their shared love of storytelling created a vibrant, energetic partnership.

Youth Advocate Programme Dublin – Paired with Belfast (Sense NI) and Cork (Activate Space)

The Dublin group consisted of young people supported by Youth Advocate Programme who often face challenges in education and community participation. They brought remarkable resilience, honesty and creativity to every session, shaping powerful and expressive work.

Activate Space, the Cork group, is a creative youth hub that supports young people through a mix of arts, wellbeing and community-focused programmes. Their participants brought an open-minded, collaborative spirit to the project, contributing thoughtful ideas and strong creative instincts.

Sense NI, the group from Belfast, works with young people with sensory impairments and complex communication needs. Their group brought incredible imagination, humour and a unique storytelling perspective, enriching the cross-border collaboration.

Youthreach NGGS, Dublin – Paired with The Kabin Studio Cork and New Lodge Arts Belfast

The NGGS group was made up of young people engaged in education and training at Youthreach North Great George’s Street, where the focus is on training and education outside mainstream schooling,. The group brought honesty, curiosity and a strong willingness to explore new creative avenues.

The Kabin Studio is a dynamic youth music and creative space known for its collaborative songwriting and spoken word projects. Their group brought musicality, rhythm and a lively creative energy, inspiring inventive cross-group exchanges.

New Lodge Arts Centre supports young people through arts-based youth work, offering programmes in drama, music, art and more. Their group brought thoughtful storytelling, strong group spirit and a passion for exploring real-life themes through writing.

Droichead Youth Theatre – Paired with Magnet, Newry

Droichead Youth Theatre is a lively group of young people with a strong interest in performance and theatre-making. They brought expressive voices, bold ideas and playful creativity to the project.

Magnet Newry Magnet is a youth arts and community space in Newry that empowers young people through creative programmes. Their group contributed thoughtful character ideas, strong team collaboration and a reflective, imaginative approach to storytelling.

Drogheda Youthreach – Paired with Armagh Give and Take

Drogheda Youthreach supports young people outside mainstream schooling, offering creative and vocational learning opportunities. Their group brought tons of inventive ideas, enthusiasm and a willingness to take creative risks.

Give and Take Armagh works with young people who have experienced challenges in education, wellbeing and community engagement. Their group brought humour, originality and a strong sense of teamwork, helping shape rich cross-border collaborations.

M.A.D. Youth Theatre, Louth – Paired with Bosco Youth Group, Down

M.A.D. Youth Theatre in Dundalk is made up of committed young performers who thrive in devising and ensemble work. They brought confidence, playfulness and a strong understanding of dramatic storytelling.

 Bosco Youth Group in Newry provides drama, music and arts opportunities for young people in the Newry area. Their group brought warmth, expressive performances and a collaborative spirit that helped build strong creative connections.

Monaghan Youth Theatre – Paired with REACT Youth Group

This is a dynamic group of young theatre-makers who are curious, creative, and passionate about using drama to explore ideas and stories. They brought strong character work, inventive concepts and a thoughtful approach to collaboration.

REACT Youth Group, Armagh supports young people across Armagh through programmes focused on personal development, creativity and community participation. Their group brought energy, openness and a commitment to exploring big ideas through writing.

Final Celebrations and Publication Launch

In October, the groups involved came together for one final time to celebrate their work on the project and to mark the publication launch. It was an incredible afternoon, with the young people sharing their work and a live musical performance from The Kabin Studio. The Director of Fighting Words, Colm Ó Cuanacháin, spoke about the project, followed by a fantastic speech from Kate Delaney from Creative Ireland.

Towards the end of the afternoon, Roddy Doyle launched the Creative Connections book. Everyone left on a real high, with a strong sense that we will see many of these brilliant young people again very soon.

Project Evaluation

The Creative Connections project was independently evaluated by Paula Phelan throughout and at the conclusion of the project.

Paula has over 25 years' experience working in cultural and community sectors specialising in evaluation, facilitation and coaching.

Related links

• Read the Creative Connection Publication
• Learn more about Fighting Words NI
• Learn more about Graffiti Theatre Company