For graduates interested in a diverse range of career opportunities the performing and creative arts sector is one that has a huge amount to offer for those with the talent and drive to succeed.

Performing arts is a collective term for music, drama and dance while creative arts describes professions such as craft making, fashion and textile design, photography and painting. It is a sector that is infamous for its competitive nature and yet remains ever popular.

Performing arts

Opportunities within the performing arts exist for actors, dancers, musicians, producers, choreographers, writers. Career opportunities also exist working behind the scenes in areas including set design, theatre management, costume design and lighting.

The performing arts have been especially revitalised over recent years, offering opportunities for talented performers as well for a diverse range of specialist and managerial roles such as theatre manager, assistant stage manager, casting, production, box office, PR and marketing. Useful degree subjects include English and music; training in drama, theatre studies or arts management can help you get in. Involvement in amateur groups or other relevant work experience is an advantage.

Creative arts

The craft field within creative arts is diverse and includes ceramics, textiles, jewellery, wood and glass work, toys, furniture making, textiles and leather work.

Graduates within the sector will generally have completed a relevant degree. Design degrees are offered through a range of third level institutions including National College of Art and Design, Dublin Institute of Technology and Galway–Mayo Institute of Technology.

Opportunities include selling work at local markets and fairs, working on a self-employed basis and working within a large manufacturing company. Those working on a self-employed basis may contract commissions from organisations, individuals or the public sector.

Performing and creative arts FAQs: everything you need to know about getting a job in performing and creative arts.