2026 Cultural Connectedness Exchange Network (#CCEN) practice day

What does it mean to make Irish work in Britain today? Who commissions it, who shapes it, and how do we ensure it is seen and seen well? Centred on our Festival theme I Am Here and with contributions from several creatives, the day provides in-person connection for creatives to meet, share and inspire.

The #CCEN brings together Irish and Northern Irish artists, creatives, cultural providers and commissioners to do exactly that: to connect, collaborate and advocate for better representation of Irish arts and culture across the UK. With around 90 members — from individual artists to cultural organisations and Embassy representatives — it is one of the most active networks of its kind.

Once a year, the network comes together in person. This is that day. Delivered as a live showcase and working session, the day is artist-led, peer-driven and genuinely generative. Sessions explore how we make work in communities, how we challenge assumptions around representation and how we use the ordinary to reach the extraordinary. Expect work sharing, problem solving and honest conversations about what it takes to get Irish work made and onto stages.

The day takes place in one of Liverpool's finest spaces. Participants will be provided with a pleasant vegetarian lunch.

All attendees are asked to submit a short bio or organisational overview on booking, to help the network connect before the day begins.

Not yet a #CCEN member? Join the network here — it's free and this is exactly the kind of day membership is built for.

Supported by the Government of Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs Emigrant Support Programme. Space kindly provided in kind by Victoria Gallery and Museum in partnership with Emerald Lens CIC.

Proposed session plan (subject to change):

10:00 Induction, welcomes and housekeeping

10:30 Emerald Lens - St Brigid's Arms tour

11:45 Saoirse Crean - Folk 2 Folk

13:00 LUNCH

13:45 Sue Divin - I Am an Author

14:15 - Nollaig Molloy - The Irish Question

15:15 Claire Halpin - Substrata

16:00 ENDS///