IAPI Launches World-First ‘Country Before Agency’ Creative Platform

IAPI’s ambition is to establish Ireland as a centre of excellence for the commercial creativity sector. Yesterday on 5th November, it launched its unique platform, “Ireland: where Creative is Native”. This livestream broadcast was attended by over 500 marketers and creative folk using Verve’s production expertise. 

Creative directors across the IAPI membership agreed to remove agency credits in the showcased work, making this a world-first as it is the only anonymous platform that puts the country’s entire commercial creativity industry, ahead of individual agencies.

“Now is our time to take to the world stage with confidence. We have moved on so far from the subservient industry that bowed to London or Manhattan’s advertising prowess. No longer do international brand marketers seek creative expertise elsewhere as they know they can work with the global best, right here in Ireland. Brands such as Vodafone, Allianz, AIB, Jameson, Diageo and Toyota and many others are creating world class communications using Irish creative and media agencies”, according to Charley Stoney, CEO, IAPI.

Charley Stoney, CEO, IAPI moderated a panel discussion with four leading creatives in the Irish industry.

• Jen Speirs, executive creative director, Rothco | Accenture Interactive

• Shane O’Brien, executive creative director, BBDO Dublin

• Laura Halpin, copywriter, Folk Wunderman Thompson

• Sean Hynes, creative director, Bonfire


Creative is Native plays on the principle that Ireland is a country known for its’ great musicians, poets, writers etc and that these obviously spill into the commercial creative world of advertising, design and communications. As Ireland’s population becomes more diverse, and it is left as the only English-speaking country in the EU, it can overlay a more global view. Thus, making its bid to be a European Centre of Excellence for our industry even more timely and possible. 

“This is a hugely significant initiative for our industry. It has come about due to the goodwill and collaboration of like-minded people who understand the importance of establishing Ireland’s position on the world advertising stage”, says Sean Hynes, Creative Director, Bonfire and Chair of the Creative Council on the IAPI Board, who has led this important initiative in collaboration with Charley Stoney, CEO, IAPI and creative directors across the membership.  

The first submissions are work created for brands over the last three years and were voted on by all the creative directors within IAPI. Only those obtaining the highest ranking were uploaded onto the site, ensuring that the creative work on display is the best of the best of Ireland’s commercial creativity including advertising, design, PR & social. The platform will be continually updated, ensuring that every great piece of work ends up being featured on www.creativeisnative.com

The first body of work has been selected by their own members but IAPI are hoping that other creative industry bodies such as CPI, ICAD, IDI and PRCA will submit work for this unique Irish commercial creativity platform.