What is a Creative Producer? at Mermaid Arts Centre

What is a Creative Producer? Event organised by Kunstverein’s Creative Producer Programme Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co Wicklow. 11am–5:30pm, Tuesday 3 February 2026

Kunstverein is thrilled to partner with Mermaid Arts Centre for a day of conversations focusing on the role and function of the Creative Producer in the visual arts in Ireland. The term Creative Producer is largely undefined and yet rapidly evolving. This event marks a moment of reflection, inviting practitioners and professionals to interrogate and problematise the term, in public. It will bring together curators, producers, programmers, production managers, artists, technicians, arts administrators, directors and other practitioners working in the field of contemporary visual arts production. ‍

Schedule

‍Morning (11am–1pm):

• A series of ten-minute-takes from individual contributors responding candidly to the question ‘What is a Creative Producer?’
• Two thirty-minute paired conversations between selected contributors.

Lunch (1:30–2:30pm):

Lunch will be served on the stage. Lunch hour will feature interactive elements, a creative producer questionnaire, and a chance for informal chatting.

Afternoon (2:30–5:30pm):

• A series of breakout sessions for which the audience will be divided into groups of 6-10 participants for facilitated, group-based activities (e.g. breakout rooms, short walks, focus sessions, Q+As etc). Each group will have one Facilitator and one Reporter.
• An interview marking the launch of a new podcast series.
• A chaired panel discussion (featuring Reporters from each breakout session) reflecting on key questions/themes/thoughts of the day

‍List of contributors

‍
Lian Bell, Rachel Botha, Sarah Browne, AlanJames Burns, Vaari Claffey, Maeve Connolly, Lizzie Crouch, Michelle Darmody, Fatoumata Gandega, Sara Greavu, Kerry Guinan, Francis Halsall, Léann Herlihy, Joanne Laws, Sophie Mak-Schram, Jennie Moran, Lynnette Moran, Aisling Murray, Sara Muthi, Iarlaith Ní Fheorais, Cian O’Brien, Nathan O’Donnell, Bridget O’Gorman, Mark O’Gorman, Aisling Prior, Mechu Rapela, Kate Strain, Ida Uvaas, Seán Ward, Amanda Wilkinson, Mick Wilson.TicketsTo book your spot to attend the event, please register via Mermaid Arts Centre's box office here.‍

Access‍

Mermaid Arts Centre is located at Bray’s Civic Centre, just off Bray Main Street next to Bank of Ireland. The venue has step-free, accessible, inclusive bathrooms on the ground level. More information on the building and facilities can be found here.The event will have ISL interpretation. A quiet room will be available throughout the day and attendees using the auditorium will be free to come and go. Please see Mermaid Arts Centre’s Autism-friendly ‘Know Before You Go’ here.We have a small number of travel bursaries to contribute to attendee’s travel costs where required. If you are interested in applying for a travel subsidy in order to attend this event please email office@kunstverein.ie and we will provide further information.‍

Transport‍

We encourage attendees to consider using public transport or car-pooling where possible. Mermaid Arts Centre is a fifteen minute / 1.1km walk from Bray Dart Station. Alternatively you can use the L1, L2 and L12 buses to bring you from Bray Station (stop 4168) to Main Street Methodist Church (stop 4170). Mermaid Arts Centre is a three minute walk from there. Please note: there is no free parking and accessible car-parking options are limited. If you have any questions about the building or wish to flag any special requirements please contact Mermaid Arts Centre’s Box Office for assistance and information. Please call 01 272 4030 or email info@mermaidartscentre.ie.

The event is part of Kunstverein's Creative Producer Programme, supported by the Arts Council through the Creative Production Supports scheme, and by Wicklow County Arts Office through the annual Strategic Project Award Scheme.