Scaling Up Creative Projects Workshop with Kari Cahill
Date: 09-04-2025
This mentoring programme supports Mayo-based artists in any artform to develop ambitious creative projects, with a particular focus on preparing project proposals that can be tailored to funding opportunities as they arise - such as the Arts Council of Ireland's Project Award.
Through a blend of facilitated workshops, peer learning, and individual support, you will gain the confidence, practical tools, and community connections to support you to bring your project ideas to life — from concept development to funding applications to project production and delivery. The programme will also foster long-term peer support networks, encouraging you to continue sharing ideas, collaborating, and problem-solving together after the programme concludes.
FINAL OUTCOME (WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE)
Each artist leaves with a workable project plan you can adapt for funding applications. A trusted peer group for future support. A sense of creative confidence — you know how to problem-solve collaboratively and have the tools to navigate project development on your own.
EXPECTATIONS
Working with a large group offers an opportunity to create robust peer-support frameworks. The sessions will focus on general project development and you are expected to apply the learning to your own individual projects.
COURSE OUTLINE
SESSION 1: VISION, CONCEPT & PEER FOUNDATIONS: Defining your project and building peer connections Objectives Establish peer groups and working relationships. Clarify project concepts and initial goals. Set expectations for peer support and mentoring process.
SESSION 2: PLANNING & BUDGETING: Building Realistic Structures Objectives Help artists create timelines and budgets. Understand how to align creative phases with logistical and funding requirements. Embed peer review into planning.
SESSION 3: TEAM, RESOURCES & DOCUMENTATION: Collaboration & Capturing the Process Objectives Help artists identify collaborators, stakeholders and resource needs. Introduce documentation strategies for funding reports, portfolios & future applications. Strengthen peer-to-peer troubleshooting and problem-solving.
SESSION 5: PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER & NEXT STEPS: Confidence, Peer Support & Next Steps Objectives; Consolidate project plans, including audience engagement & marketing. Final Project Snapshot Template Build confidence in peer review and self-assessment. Elevator pitch development and practice. Plan for continued peer support beyond the programme.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Kari Cahill is a highly experienced artist, curator, and producer with a track record of creating and delivering ambitious artistic projects. As the co-founder of Lay of the Land, she has led large-scale, site-responsive outdoor sculpture exhibitions and residencies in wild landscapes across Ireland, bringing together artists, communities, and natural environments in transformative ways. She was also a co-founder and co-director of Basic Space, an artist-led initiative supporting experimental contemporary art practices.
Kari has extensive experience producing and collaborating on major arts events, festivals, and experiential brand activations, including the 'Tombolo' outdoor exhibitions. Through her work, she has developed a deep understanding of how to plan, manage, and execute complex creative initiatives from concept to completion. She has worked with Body & Soul, Clonmel Junction Festival, Cairde Festival, Another Love Story, Jameson, Ballymaloe Lit Fest, Queens of Neon, Cork Midsummer's Festival, Killyon Manor, KJS Food Projects & Tullamore Dew.
Alongside her land based artistic practice, Kari provides mentorship to artists and creatives through professional practice workshops, offering clear, practical guidance on social media, website development, organization and workflow, finances and funding, proposal writing, and project production. With a strategic yet artist-led approach, she equips creatives with the tools they need to confidently bring ambitious projects to life.
If you are interested in participating in this workshop series, please complete the expression of interest form and return before April 25th. You will be notified of the outcome before May 1st.
Workshop Details
Venue: Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar
Dates: Session 1 & 2: May 10th and 11th; Session 2: May 31st; Session 3: June 28th
Times: Each session begins at 11am and ends at 4pm with a one-hour break for lunch.