Literature Review On The Social, Cultural And Economic Value Of & Creative Industries Arts In

Literature Review on the Social, Cultural and Economic Value of the Cultural & Creative Industries (CCIs) and Arts in Ireland

Creative Futures Academy (CFA) represents a pioneering collaboration among NCAD, UCD, and IADT to advance flexible, transdisciplinary education in the creative sector. By integrating academic expertise with cutting-edge industry practice, CFA offers innovative programmes in areas such as AI, immersive technologies, art and media, writing and design. These offerings span short micro-credential courses to master’s level, delivered in accessible blended formats that meet the needs of diverse learners, catering to working professionals and those balancing multiple commitments. With a strong emphasis on co-creation and future-ready pedagogy, CFA exemplifies how higher education can evolve to address the rapidly changing landscape of creative work while supporting research and knowledge exchange.

Purpose

To undertake a comprehensive literature review on the value of the arts and Cultural & Creative Industries (CCIs) in Ireland, situating national evidence within an international context. The review will provide evidence of the wider impact of the CCI sector and the role of Higher Education and research in supporting its future development.

Scope

· Ireland (2019–2025): Including but not limited to reports/strategies from Government, publicly funded cultural institutions, industry bodies, community/arts organisations. These should include but are not limited to reports by:

· Department of Culture, Communications and Sports (DCCS); Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science; CSO PxStat; Creative Ireland; The Arts Council; The Expert Group in Future Skills Needs; Institute of Designers of Ireland; Screen Ireland; Screen Producers Ireland; Design & Crafts Council Ireland; Animation Ireland; Create; Visual Arts Ireland.

· Higher Education: Research should reference and connect key actions detailed in the strategic reports of CFA partner institutions demonstrating:

o a). how they support the development of the CCI sector

o b). Identified gaps in provision or capacity e.g. R&D; digital and other infrastructure. Comparisons may be drawn with other HEI providers nationally or internationally.

· International Comparators: Research should benchmark against other advanced economies such as the UK, Denmark, Finland and Norway, Australia or New Zealand identifying the how the arts and CCIS are:

o ‘valued’ from social and economic perspective;

o Supported through policy directives, finance; research and development incentives.

Consideration should be given to quantitative (e.g. market activities, labour metrics) and qualitative metrics (e.g. indicators of health and wellbeing, contribution to community engagement and fostering social cohesion, diplomacy, non-market driven activities), recognising that these categories of metrics inform each other.

References should include but are not limited to:

· Eurostat, EU Monitor of Industrial ecosystems – CCIS; New European Bauhaus – values; EIT Creativity and Culture; EU – Creative Pact for Skills; World Economic Forum, Future of Work; OECD Future of Education and Skills 2030/20240; OECD Skills Strategy Ireland; Impact 2030 - Research & Innovation Strategy; ELIA; Equivalent reports from publicly cultural institutions with a remit to international industry networks, and community-based initiatives.

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Key Research Themes

· Cultural Value - The importance and role of culture to: Identity, heritage, sense of place, artistic excellence.

· Social Value - The role of culture and creativity in building: Community resilience, civic engagement, reducing isolation, social cohesion, well-being.

· Educational Value - The role of arts and culture in fostering creativity and critical thinking across all education levels, not just Higher Education.

· Economic Value - Current estimates of Gross Value Add to the Irish economy. Estimated number employed in the sector. Estimated future value and employment by 2040. Spill-over effects of CCIs. (Note: The economic value should reference the level of current investment by government in the CCI sector).

· Future Value – Taking account of the current global context, consider the role and potential value of and for CCIs in Irelands future to include trends and opportunities

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Suggested Methodology

1. Systematic Literature Search

· Compile a database of relevant Irish reports (2019–2025).

· Conduct academic database searches for peer-reviewed literature.

· Identify international reports from UNESCO, OECD, EU Commission, national arts agencies.

1. Data Extraction and Coding

· Extract key findings (economic, social, cultural value; spill-overs; HE role; skills; policy implications).

· Organise findings into thematic categories.

1. Comparative Analysis

2. Synthesise Irish findings and benchmark against international best practice.

3. Stakeholder Mapping

· Provide an overview of the key stakeholders in Irish CCIs and their contributions.

1. Quality Assurance

· Apply critical appraisal to assess the strength of evidence.

Suggested references to include: Academic Databases: (e.g., JSTOR, Project MUSE) for peer-reviewed studies on Ireland's CCIs. Arts Journalism and Criticism – e.g. The Irish Times arts section, The Journal, Totally Dublin, Sunday Times and regional publications that provide real-time commentary, case studies, and public discourse analysis. Include Specific Irish Data Sources like the CSO, in particular data on employment and household expenditure on culture.

Deliverables

· Comprehensive Literature Review (15 - 50 pages).

· Annotated Bibliography (Irish & international)

· Executive Summary (2–5 pages). This should provide a concise overview of key findings, that can be shared with senior policymakers and industry stakeholders.

· Presentation deck.

· Supporting data sets.

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Timeline

The research timeline is to be outlined by applicants. It is anticipated that research will be undertaken between January – March 2026, with a final report due by the end of April. An Interim review meeting to discuss progress will be scheduled with the research Review Team and CFA. A final timeline will be agreed with the successful applicant(s).

Outcomes

· Evidence base for CCI impact in Ireland.

· International benchmarking for policy and practice.

· Recommendations on Higher Education’s role in future skills and research.

· Input to national cultural and creative policy development.

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Evaluation Criteria

· Understanding of Brief & Methodology (30%)

· Knowledge of CCI policy context (30%)

· Quality of proposed Workplan (20%)

· Project management and delivery (20%)

Submission Format

Applicants should provide the following:

· An outline methodology and approach to the research outlined

· Evidence of research undertaken that demonstrates knowledge of the CCI sector and policy context.

· An indicative workplan

· An outline approach to project management and proposed delivery timeline and formats.

· C.V.(s)

This call is open to suitably qualified applicants based in NCAD, IADT and or UCD.

Applications may include more than one researcher or contributor based in a combination of or from one of the above CFA partner institutions. The rationale for additional researchers and/or contributors must be justified. Applicants may be invited to interview.

Contract & Rates

Rates will align with the IUA (Irish Universities Association) guidelines for researchers and will be commensurate with experience.

The contract duration is circa 320 hours. A delivery timeline will be agreed with the successful applicant(s) subject to their availability. It is expected that the research will commence in January 2026 and will be completed by end of April 2026.

Person Specification

Essential

· A postgraduate qualification in art, design, or a related discipline.

· Experience in higher education research.

· A track record of research, publication, or creative practice in relevant fields.

· Expert knowledge of Ireland’s cultural policy context and/or experience of practice based

· Strong collaborative skills, with experience of working across teams.

Deadline for Submissions: 29th of January 2026

Please complete your application with a CV and cover letter attached