It can be challenging to get a start in any creative industry, especially with the fast moving world of digital technologies.
To provide a helping hand for early stage start-ups in the sector, GMIT and Creative Enterprise West (CREW) are launching a new incubator programme starting early next year.
The CREW LAB incubation programme is especially designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs across creative digital industries such as TV, Film, Virtual production, Games, Animation, Content Development and more.
It is meant to serve as part of a support ecosystem needed for screen industries to thrive in the west of Ireland.
Commencing in January 2022, the course will be delivered over a 4-month period, with a combination of online classes, industry and networking activities, and one to one mentoring
Paddy Tobin, Head of School, Design & Creative Arts at GMIT, said that this incubation programme is a “unique mix” of blended learning, mentoring by industry figures, networking, and hub accommodation.
“This is an exciting time for the creative industries and here at GMIT Cluain Mhuire Campus we’re working in partnership with CREW to develop what will be a centre of excellence incubation hub for creative industries in the west.”
To accelerate the start up process, the CREW LAB Incubation programme will help budding entrepreneurs to spot market opportunities, pitch their idea, or expand an online community.
The CREW LAB Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development will be delivered remotely through the GTeic and Connected Hubs network focusing on entrepreneurs in the west of Ireland.
Gillain Buckley of the Western Development Commission said “The Western Region has a long tradition in creativity and this programme to support to support creative entrepreneurs in the region will build on this tradition and accelerate the success of this sector.”
Key partners in the programme are Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), the Western Development Commission (WDC) and Galway Film Centre (GFC) along with TG4, Gréasán na Meán Media Skillnet, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Office Galway, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Bank of Ireland.
