Creative Heartlands – Digital Innovation for Rural Creatives

By project Digital Rural

Published on 21 March 2025

Ireland

Northern and Western

About this good practice

Creative Heartlands was developed to address the digital divide in rural creative industries, ensuring that artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs have access to modern digital fabrication technologies. The initiative is a partnership of Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon, in the North West of Ireland. It has equipped the region with 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and AR/VR tools. Utilising existing hubs and centres across the region the programme is rolls out hands-on training, workshops, and mentoring, allowing creatives to integrate digital tools into their practice, prototype products, and explore new market opportunities.

By bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern digital methodologies, Creative Heartlands supports innovation and business development in rural areas. The initiative is delivered through collaboration between local authorities, enterprise offices, and industry experts, ensuring a tailored approach to training and support. The project has directly contributed to job creation, new business ventures, and the sustainability of the local creative economy. By embedding digital skills, it enhances the resilience of rural creatives, allowing them to reach wider audiences and diversify income streams.

Resources needed

€100,000 was invested in equipment. Annual costs for two part-time project managers (Film & Design) were approx. €67,500. Training and workshop budgets ranged from €1,000-€1,500, including promotion.

Evidence of success

• 500 individuals or enterprises supported through 60 tailored workshops and training events.
• Purchased state of the art equipment (€100,000)
• Ongoing use of equipment across the region
• Seven bursaries awarded to the film sector.
• Three infomercials created for the design sectors.

Potential for learning or transfer

The model of providing decentralised digital fabrication hubs that utilise existing spaces and provide structured training is highly adaptable for other rural regions. It demonstrates how digital infrastructure investment can drive economic development and create new employment opportunities. By focusing on upskilling local creatives with emerging technologies, the initiative ensures long-term sustainability and resilience in rural economies. The collaborative approach involving local authorities, enterprise offices, and industry stakeholders provides a tested framework for policy adaptation elsewhere. Additionally, integrating digital fabrication into traditional craft and design industries offers a scalable model for enhancing innovation and competitiveness in rural creative sectors across Europe.