Where creativity meets purpose
Giving Cork's Northside youth the platform to amplify their potential and explore creative futures
Where creativity meets purpose–giving Cork's Northside youth the platform to amplify their potential and explore creative futures
What is CEART?
CEART—standing for 'Community', 'Empowerment', 'Art', 'Respect', and 'Trust'—is a consortium-based initiative in Cork's North City Centre that harnesses creativity to build alternative future pathways. Operating from Myo Café on Pope's Quay, CEART provides young adults from Cork's most disadvantaged communities with a safe space to develop creative skills, build mental resilience, and discover routes to financial independence.
Through its three core pillars, CEART cultivates what research calls the "5 Cs": competence, confidence, character, caring, and connection—ultimately empowering youth to contribute meaningfully to their communities. CEART recognises that young people aren't problems to be fixed but untapped resources with unique talents waiting to be unleashed.
Who is CEART for?
CEART is a free programme designed for young people aged 18-24 from disadvantaged areas in North Cork City. The programme specifically targets youth who are at risk of offending or have previous offences. With only 5.9% of adults in target areas holding third-level qualifications and stark health disparities compared to affluent areas, CEART aims to create accessible pathways into creative careers and social entrepreneurship for those who may not otherwise have such opportunities.
What does CEART offer?
CEART aims to deliver transformative creative experiences through professional-led programmes that develop both artistic skills and career pathways in the creative sector.
Creative programmes include:
Re-Boot Camp
E-Sports Career Lab
Art and Design Workshops
Podcast and Media Production
The Shandon/Pope's Quay creative base provides access to space and equipment for projects, while professional mentors support participants in developing ideas and building entrepreneurship skills. Throughout the programme, participants join a supportive community of like-minded creators focused on unlocking creative interests and turning them into viable career paths.
Who is involved?
Our consortium brings together expertise from:
Spéire Nua (Peer Support)
Myo Cafe (Community Space)
ConsortiaCo (Social Enterprise)
Amicitia (Community Development)
James Leonard & Gillian Butler (Podcast Production)
Davy Dummigan (Lead Artist)
With the support of professional artists and creative practitioners across disciplines such as street art, visual art, speculative design, sound design and digital media.
