IADT has officially launched its new Community Engagement Charter, reaffirming the Institute's commitment to building meaningful partnerships with local communities, civic organisations and regional stakeholders.

The Charter sets out the principles and commitments that will underpin the Institute’s approach to engagement, reinforcing IADT’s belief that creativity, culture and innovation are essential tools for connection, inclusion and positive social change.

The event brought together IADT staff, students’ union and community partners from across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to celebrate existing collaborations and shape the future direction of community engagement at IADT.

Sarah McDonagh, Community Engagement Officer at IADT, introduced the event and spoke about the development and purpose of the Community Engagement Charter. She thanked the many staff, students and community partners who contributed to its creation and acknowledged their role in shaping a shared vision for community engagement with IADT.

Speaking at the launch, Rónán Ó Muirthile, Head of Faculty, emphasised that the Charter is more than a document, it is a reflection of a shared commitment to work together. He noted the value in bringing so many community partners together to exchange ideas, and said it was a positive reflection of the desire to connect, collaborate and create together. The principles outlined in the Charter emerged from these joint discussions and will guide future projects, partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that community engagement remains a central part of the Institute’s work and future development.

Dr Andrew Power, Registrar, also addressed attendees and spoke about IADT’s origins and it’s long-standing roots in the local community, reflecting on its identity as a creative institution shaped by its surrounding people and place. Emphasising that IADT is of the community, not simply in the community, he highlighted the importance of maintaining an open campus where everyone feels welcome, continuing to cultivate a culture if diversity, inclusion and opportunities for meaningful and sustainable connection.

Guided by six key principles – Inclusivity and Equity; Collaboration and Partnership; Integrity and Trust; Impact and Responsiveness; Engagement and Culture; and Adaptability the Charter will shape how IADT builds and sustains relationships with the communities it serves.

The Charter also supports the ambitions of IADT’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028, particularly its commitments to education, student experience, sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, and strengthening partnerships with local and regional communities.

The event also celebrated the creativity and talent of IADT’s wider community. Guests enjoyed a musical performance from Newpark Academy of Music. Artwork by a student of Tivoli Training Centre was displayed throughout the event. This was curated by Joanne Boyle, an IADT alumna, who spoke of her work with the centre and how she has witnessed first-hand the transformative power of community arts in creating opportunities for connection, participation and inclusion.

The Charter was developed in consultation with IADT staff, the IADT Students’ Union and a range of external partners, including, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Creative Ireland, DLR Public Participation Network, Studentvolunteer.ie, Newpark Academy of Music, Monkstown Educate Together National School and GreenKite.

The launch marks an important step in IADT’s ongoing commitment to being an active and engaged member of the communities it serves, ensuring that creativity, collaboration and civic responsibility remain central to the Institute’s mission and future development.

You can read IADT’s Community Engagement Charter here.

Photograhy by Paul Sherwood.