Validated Expert info
Expert can perform the Lead expert role and Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:
1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
2. Thematic expertise:
> Culture
3. Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
> Securing funding and resourcing
> Sustaining stakeholder engagement and translating strategies into actions
Summary
Well hello there, ola, dia dhuit, bon jour,
thanks for your interest in my profile!
I believe we can make our communities more vibrant and our work places more creative through the power of Play. So I decided to become a Play Strategist. And it was through URBACT I stumbled upon this path during the Playful Paradigm programme that my city of Cork participated. So I believe in the power of URBACT to share good practice and inspire change.
And you are probably wondering what the hell is a Play Strategist?
Using Play as a tool, I develop strategies that can unlock creativity and strengthen the relationship between key people who shape their organisations and communities. Play and the associated playful mindset is proven to stimulate collaboration and curiosity. And those attributes are key to the success of any URBACT programme. I helped deliver the first intra country URBACT programme in Ireland in 2021 and also acted as an Ad hoc expert to Playful Paradigm Wave 2 programme.
I have been a professional facilitator for over 10 years, working on local, national and European projects. I have also worked as a professional fundraiser for many years - which was definitely less fun but also requires developing relationships, cultivating trust and delivering on promises.
I have worked in the creative sector for most of my career, so culture is my core area of expertise. I have helped to produce many artistic projects and witnessed the transformative power of art to inspire change. I have managed budgets have ranged from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand Euro but the success of each project was down to the power of the artists idea and the strength of collaboration of the team involved - never the amount of funding.
I am the Head of Play Development for Lets's Play Cork and one of the lead producers of Sounds From A Safe Harbour Festival.
Lately I have been experimenting with playful thinking, sound and movement as methods to create strong foundations for shared intentionality - which ultimately leads to greater inter group cooperation.
So if your project is creative and you are interested in exploring a more participatory style of facilitation, please get in touch.
Slán go fóill,
Martin