Smithfield Creatives: Cultivating Dublin's Creative Spirit
At the heart of Dublin's cultural resurgence lies a dynamic gathering: the weekly open mic nights orchestrated by Smithfield Creatives, serving as a crucible for the city's burgeoning creative energy.
Adam Kelly, Founder of Smithfield Creatives
Founded by Adam Kelly during the darkest days of lockdown, Smithfield Creatives quickly evolved from a modest gathering of musicians to a vibrant hub of artistic expression. From its humble origins to its current status as a cornerstone of Dublin's creative community, the initiative has exemplified the spirit of resilience and innovation that defines the city's post-pandemic revival.
Through weekly open mic nights, showcase events, and collaborations with local venues, Smithfield Creatives has provided a lifeline for artists, offering them a platform to share their talents and connect with like-minded individuals. As Adam Kelly aptly puts it, "It's about sharing anything that comes from you because you get to see people's true selves when they share."
Since October last year, Smithfield Creatives has been held at the Bernard Shaw in Dublin. "We're still in the Bernard Shaw but starting this Thursday (13th June), we're going downstairs into Bernard Shaw into the Racket Space," Kelly announced.
Smithfield Creatives is structured to support artists at various stages of their performance journey.
"You can arrive on the night and sign up for a five-minute spot. There are eight five-minute spots available on the night and then there's five ten-minute spots that are booked in advance. If it's your first time, I recommend you sign up for a five-minute spot so you get a feel for the night, and we can get a feel for you. If you feel confident enough, we'll give you the ten-minute slots. If you do a few of those ten-minute slots and you're decent enough and have a half-hour set, we offer you a feature slot," Kelly explained. This progression helps artists build confidence and experience, leading to more significant opportunities.
By working together and supporting one another, event organisers create a more vibrant and inclusive arts community. Kelly envisions a future where this collaborative approach becomes the norm, paving the way for future generations to build upon these foundations.
The impact of Smithfield Creatives extends far beyond its weekly gatherings. Through spinoff projects like Fancy Water Productions and The Works Festival, Kelly and his team have cultivated a dynamic ecosystem of artistic expression, fostering the growth and development of emerging talents while celebrating the diversity of Dublin's cultural tapestry.
Check out the next instalment of the Smithfield Creatives downstairs of the Bernard Shaw in the Racket Space every Thursday evening from 7.00pm.