The words we use shape the opportunities we create.
When we describe creativity as a sector that requires funding, the conversation often centres on cost. When we describe it as an investment, the conversation shifts towards value, impact and return.
Across Ireland and Europe, language has repeatedly demonstrated its power to influence public perception, policy priorities and economic support. The emergence of the “night-time economy” is one such example, transforming how governments, businesses and communities understand the value of cultural activity.
Hosted at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), this special event explores how language, storytelling and framing can influence the future of the creative industries. Through film, discussion and debate, delegates will examine the relationship between cultural value, public investment and economic development.
The programme features the screening of a film by RÓIS X hhH followed by a panel discussion with its director and producer and other collaborators, whose work demonstrates the intersection of language, music, culture and contemporary creativity. Further contributions from leaders in branding, communications, culture and the creative industries will explore how Ireland can more effectively communicate the value of its cultural and creative sectors to policymakers, investors and society.
The discussion will ask:
- How do we articulate the value of creativity in ways that resonate beyond the cultural sector?
- What language helps unlock investment, support and recognition?
- How can creative industries position themselves as essential contributors to economic and social development?
- What can Europe learn from Ireland’s evolving approach to culture, creativity and enterprise?
- This event offers a fresh perspective on one of the most important challenges facing the creative industries today: not simply what we do, but how we talk about it.
BRAND CENTRAL & THE IRISH WRITERS CENTRE:
Join the teams behind acclaimed creative agency Brand Central, and national institution the Irish Writers Centre, to hear about their collaboration on a transformative brand redesign launching this November. Discover the challenges and opportunities Brand Central encountered in reconceptualising the Irish Writers Centre’s brand identity, and learn about the creative dialogue that has inspired this exciting partnership. Bold, accessible, yet elevated, this is an extraordinary example of how design can be used to tell stories. Meet the people behind it.
Alex Vostokova
Alex Vostokova is a dance artist, choreographer and director working across live performance, improvisation and film in Ireland. For the last few years Alex has been researching how our environment impacts identity: driven by socio-cultural issues, surrealism, and the interaction between dance and other mediums. Influenced by contemporary dance, krump, acrobatics and physical theater practices, they screened their film ‘Tasting an Organised Dream’ at Dancer from the Dance Festival and Light Moves Festival in 2023.
Alex was an associate artist of Dance Limerick in 2025 with ‘Logic of Wrong and Rehearsed Carelessness’ and was commissioned to create 2 outdoor works in 25/26. Alex has led workshops with Dance Limerick, Dublin Youth Dance Company and the MA program at UL. They have collaborated with: Irish National Opera, Liz Roche, Stereo 48, CoisCeim, John Scott, Catherine Young, Junk Ensemble, Pan Pan, Theatre Lovett, Glasshouse ensemble amongst others. They are currently the Irish artist selected for Expanded Habitats residency between Italy, Greece and Ireland.
Cian Hamilton
Cian Hamilton is an Irish filmmaker based in Kinsale, Ireland. He has been working in the film industry for over 10 years. Cian started his career as a freelance cinematographer and editor on music videos for artists such as Jafaris, Soulé and Siights. After graduating from Technical University Dublin (formally DIT), Cian was employed as a cinematographer and editor at Bold Studios in Dublin. During his time at Bold, he worked with clients such as Google, Facebook, Samsung, Guinness, Bord Gais, Horseware, Betfair, Remus Uomo and countless others. Cian worked on TV commercials, cinema ads, social media campaigns and high production value music videos.
After two years at Bold, Cian decided to pursue his own filmmaking path. During his time as a freelance filmmaker, Cian continued to work on commercials and music videos, but he also found his way into the documentary industry. Cian was part of the small crew that created the James Cameron produced National Geographic documentary set in Zimbabwe called Akashinga: The Brave Ones. The project went on to win multiple awards and is now streaming on Disney Plus. After a successful few years as a freelancer, Cian decided to start his own video production company. In 2020, Cian and his business partner, Nic Cargin, launched Lost Studios, an Irish video production company that strives to create high quality and high value films in unique and original ways to tell stories that impact people.
Their philosophy is that filmmaking is an artform so, even on commercial projects, Lost Studios always takes an artistic and creative approach to their work. They have a strong and growing client list that includes Failté Ireland, Sony Music, Universal Music, Kerry Group, Stripe, Smithwicks, Jameson, Nordic Spirit, Aviva, AIB, Three Mobile, Irish Times, Dublin City Council, Specsavers, to name a few. Cian has also remained firmly in the music video world having worked on projects for Kingfishr, Nectar Wood, Declan McKenna, Matilda Mann and many others. Cian has now set his sights on the narrative film world. His most recent short film, Just Us, won the Best in Cork award at the Fastnet Film Festival as well as being selected for multiple other film festivals. Cian is currently in the post production phase of his new film, Call Me Joe.
Adam O’Reilly
Adam O’Reilly is a Dublin-based professional dance artist and director whose practice pans live performance, film, theatre, and facilitation. He has performed with leading companies including Irish Modern Dance Theatre, United Fall, and Catherine Young Dance and has appeared at major festivals such as Dublin Fringe Festival, Dublin Dance Festival, and Dublin Theatre Festival. Adam is the co-founder and Artistic Director of COMHAR Dance (in partnership with Dance Ireland), a Dublin-based dance platform dedicated to fostering safe and accessible professional dance training and engagement in Ireland through its Workshop Day Intensive series.
As a dance-maker, Adam’s creative focus lies primarily in dance film. His fascination with the relationship between camera and movement, and how dance ranslates to the screen, deepened during the pandemic, via his performance in numerous film projects. In 2021, he began developing his debut dance film, Oscillation, an archival reflection on the Irish dance community during that period. Oscillation was later presented at the Irish Film Institute as part of its Irish Focus programme and at the 5 Lamps Arts Festival. Since then, Adam has continued to expand his work in dance film, taking on roles as director and movement director across music videos and other projects with artists including Gemma Dunleavy, Florence Road, and Colm Warren.
In 2025, he was selected for First Cut Festival’s annual YMVC programme, funded by Screen Ireland and The Arts Council of Ireland, and curated by director Brendan Canty, where he directed his first music video for Irish artist RÓIS. The video went on to win Best Video at First Cut Festival 2026. Adam is currently developing his next short dance film titled, Somewhere Beyond the Middle Before the Edge, in collaboration with a range of artists. The project has been supported through development by Fingal County Council, The Arts Council of Ireland & Dance Ireland with hopes to premiere in 2027/28.
Marlon Hiraldo
Marlon Hiraldo is a fashion stylist, image consultant, and luxury retail professional with over 15 years of experience helping individuals, brands, and creative teams bring style, confidence, and visual storytelling to life. Based in Dublin, Ireland, he has built a diverse international career spanning luxury retail, personal shopping, fashion marketing, visual merchandising, runway production, media, and event coordination.
Since 2017, Marlon has been part of the women’s designer department at Brown Thomas, where he provides personalised styling and image consulting services to a discerning clientele. His expertise in luxury fashion, trend forecasting, and client relationship management has enabled him to consistently deliver exceptional customer experiences while supporting business growth and brand loyalty. In addition to his retail achievements, he has contributed to marketing and public relations initiatives, assisting with fashion campaigns, influencer collaborations, press events, runway shows, and content production. Alongside his corporate career, Marlon has maintained a successful freelance styling practice, working with high-profile clients, celebrities, artists, and production teams across Ireland and the Dominican Republic. His portfolio includes editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, television appearances, music videos, and live events, where he is recognised for his creative vision, attention to detail, and ability to translate concepts into compelling visual narratives.
Marlon’s experience also extends to fashion week productions and international runway events, having coordinated and directed shows for renowned designers and brands. His background in television as a fashion segment host further strengthened his communication skills and public presence, allowing him to share style expertise with a broad audience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising with a specialisation in Graphic Design from Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo and has completed studies in Fashion Illustration, Fashion Design, and Fashion Marketing at Altos de Chavón School of Design. Passionate about fashion, creativity, and personal empowerment, Marlon is dedicated to helping individuals and brands express their identity with authenticity, confidence, and style.
Wheelchair Accessible • Suitable for All Ages
