Calling all creative minds from Carlow to submit applications for Portal National Day

Artists, teachers, academics and creative practitioners from Carlow are encouraged to submit an application ahead of the National Portal Day.

The event will take place at TU Dublin School of Art and Design on Saturday 7 November 2026.

The theme for the 2026 Portal National Day is The Future is Creative: Why arts and creativity in education matter more than ever.

As we navigate a world shaped by rapid technological change, climate challenges, evolving communities, and new ways of learning and connecting, human creativity has never been more important.

Artists, creative practitioners, teachers, educators, academics and arts in education professionals are invited to share presentations or workshops.

The Arts in Education Portal team are particularly interested in projects and practices that explore:

• Arts in education in the age of AI and emerging technologies
• Arts based approaches to connect with nature, climate action and sustainability

The Arts in Education Portal team welcomes submissions of proposals for presentations and creative workshops that represent:

• Dynamic approaches
• New ways of working
• Provocations
• Presentations/ workshops that include children’s voices
• Work that represents a commitment to excellence
• Strong aesthetic and/or educational outcomes

The selection of proposals will also be informed by a desire for:

• Good geographic national spread
• A range of art forms
• Early years, primary, post-primary and Youthreach representation
• Equal representation of both arts in education and creative sectors
• A balance of practical and theoretical approaches

The deadline for submission of proposals is 5pm, Wednesday 16 September.

Proposals should be submitted using Google Forms, click on links here.

• Presenters must have full ownership or consent for any images or material used in presentations.
• Presenters who are freelance will receive a fee of €350 each with up to a maximum of 2 presenters per session (3 presenters are welcome to apply but the total fee will be split between eligible presenters).
• Creative workshop facilitators will receive a fee of €525 (This fee comprises €350 p/day delivery and €175 p/day for prep and materials). Maximum of 1 facilitator per workshop.
• Presenters from outside Co. Dublin will receive a contribution towards travel expenses where required to a maximum of €50.
• Proposals will be reviewed by the Portal Editorial Committee and decisions communicated as soon as possible after the submission date.
• Subsequent to proposals being accepted, presenters will be required to provide further information for marketing and publicity purposes.

For further enquiries, contact [email protected]