Minding Creative Minds first Creative Careers Summit took place today, with speakers and panels examining the precarity and difficulties that creative sector workers in Ireland face, as well as the inherent risks and violence unfortunately face by many in the sector.

The event, which was MC'ed by Hot Press' own deputy editor Stuart Clark, featured a host of creative talents and employers providing words of wisdom on the state of the industry, and providing suggestions for budding creatives and businesses.

Mary Crilly,  Safe Gigs Ireland campaigner and CEO of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork led an eye-opening discussion which examined enabling safe work spaces for creatives. Crilly discussed her time supporting survivors of sexual assault and rape, and led the panel in looking at how the creative sector can change the culture of discussion on the difficult topic.

Mary Crilly at Minding Creative Minds Creative Careers Summit. Copyright Abigail Ring

Crilly was joined by relevant industry figures for the impactful discussion. Maria Kelly and Vinny Casey, production executive and venue manager for the Workman's Club respectively, voiced their experiences and concerns, alongside music producer Richey McCourt and life coach Sue Cullen.

The Minding Creative Minds panel examined the safety of venues today, the sad reality of sexual assault occurring in creative spaces, and finding awareness and solutions to the experiences faced by many in the industry.

Both Kelly and Casey discussed the situation in their experience at Workman's, with both admitting safety concerns are occasionally brought to their attention.

Kelly stressed that the venue has a process in place to help people in danger, and get them to a safe space. Both Workman's staff recognised that a process similar to their own cannot be seen in every creative venue yet, and that more needs to be done to address the lack of accountability in many Irish venues.

Mary Crilly, Vinny Casey, and Maria Kelly at Minding Creative Minds Creative Careers Summit. Copyright Abigail Ring

Richey McCourt, a producer with an at-home music studio, touched on the uncomfortable situations faced by many in the music production process, saying that the studio production scene "can be a little bit like the wild west".

McCourt pointed out that in one-on-one recording studios, many creative workers, particularly women, can be made to feel unsafe in the close working conditions.

Sue Cullen, consultant and life coach to creative workers, wished that the industry could promote artists to be the best versions of themselves despite the challenges faced by many. Cullen stressed that in the creative sector, "we all have a role to play, a responsibility, to create change for the greater good, so we can finally dismantle the culture of fear".

Each panelist was eager to find solutions, with each admitting that they didn't have the answers, but were all constantly learning.

Greater awareness and support for those who spoke out about sexual assault was recommended, with McCourt suggesting that integrating  work safety schemes such as Safe To Create into university and college course to educate those entering creative fields may help the situation.

Richey Mc Court and Sue Cullen at Minding Creative Minds Creative Careers Summit. Copyright Abigail Ring

Following the discussion, Crilly discussed the necessity for event such as this. "I think these events are hugely important, because it's about collaboration," she said.

"It's about raising wounds, it's looking at the reality of sexual violence in the creative industry, and every aspect of the community. It happens, it's done, we need to face up to it and deal with that in a black and white kind of way."

"I think today was very open and very honest and very warm, where the creative industry was kind of saying, we know this is happening, we don't want it to happen. We really want to make changes, we want people to know what to do if something is done to them and we are facing up to it, it is incredible."

All ‘miked’ up and ready to go moderate a panel on Making Safe Spaces for Creatives ⁦@MindingCreative⁩ #CreativeCareersSummit pic.twitter.com/z76SyVStBb

— Safe Gigs (@safegigsireland) May 17, 2023

Earlier this year, Minister Catherine Martin announced funding of €300,000 for Minding Creative Minds as part of the Safe to Create Programme, bringing the Department’s overall allocation for the Safe to Create Programme to €782,000.

Minding Creative Minds provides creative industry workers with specialist trauma support and abuse counselling care. This service enables crucial support for anyone who has experienced trauma or sexual abuse and ensures that they can access immediate support and up to 12 free counselling sessions from a trauma counsellor immediately.

Minding Creative Minds is 100% free and confidential – with services including:

• Advertisement
• Counselling service (12 support sessions)
• Legal assistance
• Financial assistance
• Career guidance
• Mentorship
• Masterclasses
• Workshops
• Specialist trauma & abuse counselling

The contact details for all Minding Creative Minds services are included below, and their website can be accessed here.

24/7 Dedicated Phone Line: ROI1800 814 244 | NI / UK: 0800 0903677 | International: 00353 15180277

Texting ‘Hi’ to 087 369 0010 for SMS & WhatsApp Support (standard rate applies) with a qualified psychotherapist / counsellor
When you receive the service response, reply saying you work in the creative sector or mention Minding Creative Minds service.

General enquiries are also welcome to: [email protected]