Established in 2012 in Dundalk, Creative Spark has been a beacon for creative practitioners, SME’s, startups, and entrepreneurs. By providing essential resources such as workspace, skills, technology, and a supportive network of peers and experts, Creative Spark has nurtured their growth and development.

As a not-for-profit social enterprise and led by a voluntary board of directors and a team of experienced professionals, Creative Spark has played a crucial role in advancing education and enriching the community of Co Louth and beyond.

Operations manager Oscar Diaz.

Creative Spark exemplifies the principle of best practice, illustrating how clustering creative and innovative businesses within a central multi-tenant enterprise hub can serve as a dynamic strategy for stimulating business growth.

This approach fosters wealth creation, job opportunities, and knowledge advancement within the area. Creative Spark accommodates a total of 63 SMEs across two locations, spanning various fields such as architecture, web design, and radio skills training.

Range of facilities and programmes

Creative Spark offers a range of facilities and programmes to support new and established innovative and creative enterprises in Louth and the wider north-east region.

  • Enterprise FabLab: A digital fabrication laboratory complete with workspace, design area and training; 
  • Print Studio: Printmaking workshop and visual artists' resource organisation. Committed to nurturing both emerging and established visual artists; 
  • Artist-in-Residence Programme: Supporting artists with workspace and resources for their projects; 
  • Own-door Studio Units and Co-working Spaces: Providing a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses; 
  • Meeting and Training Rooms: Spaces designed for workshops, seminars, and networking events; 
  • Creative Spark Downtown Hub: A dedicated remote working facility in Dundalk's town centre, supporting occupants in the greater north-east region; 
  • Mobile FabLab: A prototyping and training space that ventures off site to visit business hubs, industrial parks, schools, and community spaces.

In 2023, Creative Spark unveiled the Enterprise FabLab, a cutting-edge Digital Fabrication Laboratory, reaffirming its dedication to advancing education, fostering entrepreneurship, and enriching the local community.

Technical manager Carl McAteer.

Boasting state-of-the-art technology such as laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers, electronic workbenches, vinyl cutters, and power tools, the FabLab equips members with an extensive array of resources to bring their ideas to life all under one roof. With a warm invitation to new members, the FabLab offers tailored membership options designed to cater to a diverse range of business needs.

The FabLab at Creative Spark provides expert guidance, training and upskilling for professional teams and individuals through education and operations manager Oscar Diaz and technical manager Carl McAteer. Their wealth of experience and knowledge ensures that members receive personalised assistance and mentorship to navigate digital fabrication with confidence.

Joining a FabLab means becoming part of a global community of learners, educators, technologists, researchers, makers, and innovators – a vast knowledge-sharing network spanning 100 countries and 24 time zones.

Ryan Reilly, a local creative from Dundalk with a background in graphic design, media, arts, and technologies, has been awarded a scholarship for the Fab Academy to study 3D Print & Technical Design for six months at the Creative Spark Enterprise FabLab.

As the first official node for the Fab Academy in Ireland, Creative Spark is proud to support Ryan as he embarks on this transformative journey. The Fab Academy curriculum, conceived by the Centre for Bits and Atoms (CBA) at MIT and spearheaded by Professor Neil Gershenfeld, explores the principles and applications of digital fabrication, and is hosted online by MIT.

"Our mission at Creative Spark is to cultivate a collaborative environment where ideas flourish and innovation thrives," said Sarah Daly, executive director of Creative Spark. "The Enterprise FabLab epitomises this ethos, offering entrepreneurs, innovators, and community groups the opportunity to unleash their creativity and drive positive change.

"Ryan Reilly's selection as the first student for the Fab Academy Diploma at Creative Spark is a testament to his talent and dedication. We are excited to see him thrive in the Fab Academy, and we are confident that his experience will inspire others to pursue their creative passions."

Creative Spark's impact on the local economy and community is profound, with 212 jobs created, 6,808 individuals engaged in training, and an annual local economic contribution of €3.88m.