UCC & Cork Opera House Partnership

About Us

In 2018, Cork Opera House and University College Cork launched a unique 8-year partnership entitled Creating Together.

The partnership is the first of its kind in the country, establishing Cork Opera House as a Learning Theatre, and creating opportunities for students in the School of Film, Music and Theatre to gain meaningful professional experience in the arts industry during their studies. Throughout this partnership, the two institutions will collaborate on every level to identify opportunities that will have a significant impact on the arts industry into the future.

Cork Opera House and UCC collaborate on a number of projects under this partnership:

The MA programme in Arts Management and Creative Producing
A joint Theatre Artist-in-Residence programme
Joint-funded PhD and MRes programmes
Internships and placements for students in the School of Film, Music and Theatre across various departments of the business, including areas of organisational management, marketing, production, business development and stage management.

This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, offering students hands-on experience that will enrich their education and better prepare them for their careers. By participating in productions, workshops, and various projects at Cork Opera House, students can apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, honing their skills and building valuable networks within the industry.

Moreover, the partnership encourages innovation and creativity, fostering an environment where new ideas can flourish. It also allows for the exploration of interdisciplinary projects, blending the boundaries between film, music, and theatre, and offering a holistic approach to arts education.

The initiative is expected to yield numerous benefits not only for the students but also for the local community and the broader cultural landscape. By nurturing young talent and providing a platform for emerging artists, Cork Opera House and University College Cork are contributing to the vibrancy and sustainability of the arts sector.

As the partnership progresses, it will undoubtedly serve as a model for similar collaborations elsewhere, showcasing the powerful impact that can be achieved when educational institutions and arts organisations work hand in hand. This visionary approach promises to cultivate a new generation of artists and professionals who are well-equipped to make significant contributions to the arts, both locally and globally.