University of Galway has officially launched its new Institute for Creativity, a major strategic initiative that aims to harness culture and creativity on Ireland’s western seaboard.

The new Institute will forge next-generation collaborations between art and science, and research, policy, and industry - working across all disciplines in the University from life science to business and law, from engineering to the natural sciences.

As AI reshapes the way we interact with all sectors of society, the Institute for Creativity celebrates the University’s legacy as an important partner in the creative ecosystem regionally and nationally and puts artistic intelligence to the fore in developing alternative solutions to the world’s most complex problems.

The new Institute will support and enhance research already underway in the University while driving new projects at the intersection of creativity and technology that are rooted in arts-based practice.

Key areas of focus for the Institute for Creativity

• Lead research in the role of art and culture in fostering and driving sustainable development in rural and remote areas, alongside working with Galway’s globally renowned creative sector.
• Rethink and revalue the important relationship between art and culture, and health and wellbeing.
• Conduct experimental research to promote cultural and linguistic diversity as a competitive advantage for Ireland and Europe. 

The Institute for Creativity will also be home to University of Galway’s popular 'Arts in Action' programme, which welcomes students and staff, and visitors from outside the university to engage with a broad and varied programme of artistic events.

The formal launch took place as part of the 2026 International Forum on Artistic Research, the largest-ever conference on practice-based artistic research, bringing together more than 300 international practitioners, scholars, researchers and policymakers at University of Galway from June 23-26. The Forum is part of The Society for Artistic Research (SAR), a network that promotes and disseminates artistic research practices and findings across disciplines and contexts. 

President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn said: “I am delighted to officially launch our new Institute for Creativity as part of this important conference on practice-based artistic research. Galway’s vibrant creative sector is globally connected - empowered by contemporary creative practice and innovative technologies. Our university is at the heart of this activity, exploring the links between creativity, teaching, research, and the wider world, while being rooted in the local community to create spaces where ideas can thrive.

“Creativity, Culture and Society, Transformative Data and AI, and Innovation for Health are three key pillars in our strategic plan, Of Galway, For the World. These pillars reflect and support the vision of the Institute for Creativity. We will work together to ensure the extraordinary talent, creativity and opportunity we have here will continue to enable close collaboration on research and student engagement in the creative arts.”

Professor Florian Schneider, Director of the Institute for Creativity said: “The future of innovation lies at the intersection of creativity and technology. But Creativity is not just for the creative arts: the Institute will research creativity as a general condition that reshapes the manifold relationships across all faculties of knowledge.

“Unlocking this creative potential is particularly urgent for Galway and for the West of Ireland as a creative hub, and equally significant at national and European levels.”

Professor Rebecca Braun, Executive Dean, College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, said: “The College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies is delighted to be home to the new Institute for Creativity, supported by its thriving research community. An arts degree provides a solid foundation for creativity in many areas of life well beyond the creative arts yet arts and culture, heritage and creativity can play a key role in facilitating and driving new collaborations by bringing people together that would not otherwise meet.

“In a world rocked by social and political unrest, and a digital revolution, we need cross-disciplinary, collaborative research that cuts across sectors, generations and disciplines. The Institute for Creativity will be a beacon for collaborative research and innovation, and societal impact at local, national and international levels for the University of Galway.”

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