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What does Arts in Education practice look like? Read about the processes and partnerships behind current projects happening around Ireland.


Let’s Get Real


Streetwise Animators from Brothers of Charity in Ennis

Portal Documentation Award recipient project, ‘Lets Get Real’ with Streetwise Animators from the Streetwise Programme, Brothers of Charity Ennis, Co Clare in collaboration with artist Ana Colomer and Music Generation tutor Oisín Ó Cualáin. Supported by the Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) initiative under the Creative Ireland Programme. View the Portal Documentation Award video here. 

Tell us the story of your project – What was the impetus? What was it about? Who was involved? How did you begin?

Ruth O’ Keeffe: Tutor

The project was put in place to create a digital media platform for the learners to explore in the Brothers of Charity’s Streetwise Programme 2023-2024. With funding from the Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP), I was engaged as a tutor and we started working with artist Ana Colomer. The primary goal was to cultivate a passion for animation and equip learners with the fundamental skills needed to create their own animated projects. The project offers an intimate insight into the lives of people currently living in Ireland with intellectual disabilities. There is a need to amplify these “seldom heard voices” in order to build empathy and to make our society more inclusive. The aim of the project was to examine human rights in line with respect, equality, accessibility, participation and freedom in society, for all. For example, to have access to education, to make choices in their daily lives, to develop & maintain friendships & relationships, to lead independent & healthy lives. The learners reviewed the United Nations Convention on the Rights Persons with Disabilities, from the National Advocacy Council and choose what was important to them in their everyday life, to inform their storyboards. This specific creative & educational process has been led by the learners at their pace, to convey the message that is paramount to them & their peers.

Ana Colomer: Artist

The story of our project begins with a foundation of mutual respect and successful past collaborations between myself and Streetwise, which set the stage for an ambitious new endeavour. When the young learners were asked about their creative interests, animation emerged as a clear favourite, sparking the idea for a project that would explore personal identity and community perceptions through film. The initial purpose was to create a short animation for the Brothers of Charity advocacy conference, with the theme ‘Let’s Get Real’. As the project evolved, however, it took on a life of its own, growing into a reflective and powerful film titled ‘Who Do You Think We Are?’

The heart of the film addressed fundamental themes of identity, personal rights, and the often-misguided assumptions people make when interacting with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Rather than focusing on the external, this project gave each learner the chance to share their inner lives, dreams, and perceptions, offering a candid look at their values, aspirations, and the stereotypes they face. The film ultimately became a statement of self-advocacy and self-definition, challenging societal misconceptions and affirming each person’s right to be seen as they truly are.

Involvement and support from Zara Starr Madden and the Limerick Clare Youth Partnership (LCYP) made the project possible and proved invaluable. Zara championed the project and facilitated a collaboration with Music Generation Clare, bringing on board sound educator Oisín Ó Cualáin. In Music Generation’s studio, Oisín introduced the young learners to sound design, guiding them through the intricacies of sound editing software. With his support, they were able to make creative decisions about the soundtrack, choosing sound effects and music that complemented their narrative and brought their animated story to life.

From the very beginning, the project was driven by the learners. They shaped the narrative, brought personal experiences to the foreground, and made active choices in everything from the visual style to the soundtrack.

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Spotlight

Ana Colomer Artist

Artist(s)

Ana Colomer

Ruth O'Keeffe Tutor

Teacher(s)

Ruth O’Keeffe


Artforms

Digital Media

School/
Participant Group

Streetwise Animators, Brothers of Charity, Ennis, Co Clare


No. Participants

5


Region

Clare

Age/Class

21


Dates

2023 - 2024


Leading Agency

Local Creative Youth Partnerships


Key themes/ lines of enquiry

The project explored several key themes and lines of inquiry, focusing on questions of identity, personal interests, values and aspirations.


Curriculum Strands

This animation project in further education and training, seamlessly connects with curriculum strands across Research, Create, and Respond, encouraging students to engage deeply with their creative process while developing critical skills in research, making, and reflection.



The storyboard I created is part of my life. I learned about stop motion, sound design & teamwork. I loved working with my friends, Ana, Oisin, Ruth & Trish. Awesome

Comfort Boseah




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