!!!! Baboró Publish LEAP Report and Findings
Baboró International Arts Festival For Children
Baboró have published their report and findings from their pilot LEAP programme. LEAP is a community-building project and artist development programme for creative individuals from underrepresented, ethnically diverse communities and/or migrant backgrounds curious about creating work for young audiences.
This report is an account of the development and implementation of Baboró’s LEAP as a pilot programme between December 2020-April 2022. The report examines the context of LEAP’s creation, what worked about this pilot programme, what could be improved for the future, and what learnings LEAP offers that are relevant to wider Irish and international theatre for young audiences’ communities.
This report also situates Baboró’s LEAP within post-2000s Irish arts policy focused on interculturalism and/or diversity and the wider international landscape of politics, policy and social change in the theatre for young audiences sector and beyond that immediately influenced the creation and implementation of this programme.
For a short executive summary of this report, and their learnings from the pilot LEAP programme, download the document below.
Download the LEAP Learnings here
Read The Full Report
Download the complete LEAP Report here
!!!! Opportunity for Schools: Applications Open For National Heritage Keepers Programme
Burrenbeo Trust
Application Deadline: 12th October
Burrenbeo Trust have announced the latest round of the National Heritage Keepers Programme which they launched with the help of Kinvara Tidy Towns and The Dolmen Centre, Kinvara. After working closely with 117 groups and schools over the past two years, the programme is now accepting expressions of interest for its highly anticipated third round. Burrenbeo Trust proudly partners with the Heritage Council in this transformative initiative.
The National Heritage Keepers Programme is a fantastic opportunity for schools and communities across Ireland. It empowers them to delve into their local built, natural, and cultural heritage and then provides funding to allow them to take action. This programme offers various learning formats, including in-person, online, and blended options, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.
In the previous year, 40 schools and communities participated in the programme, with the majority successfully completing local projects and actions. These actions included constructing ponds, developing heritage trails, hosting networking days, tree planting, creating booklets on local built heritage, and even organising historic photography exhibitions.
Mary Dillon, Heritage Keepers Co-ordinator, emphasised the programmes mission, stating, “Heritage Keepers aims to empower people to explore and discover their own local heritage, fostering pride, ownership, and ultimately responsibility towards both their community and environment. Through Heritage Keepers, schools and communities can play a huge part in protecting and promoting their local heritage and Place.“
The programme consists of five engaging two-hour workshops, followed by dedicated support while completing the funded action. It opens for expressions of interest on the 14th September, with options to begin this autumn or in the New Year. The programme is open to senior classes in primary schools and will be scheduled during school hours.
Learn more about this opportunity at an online information session scheduled for Thursday, September 28th, at 7.30pm. Visit heritagekeepers.ie for additional details and to complete a brief Expression of Interest form.
!!!! Teachers’s CPD: Úlla Buaille – New Songs for the Classroom in Irish at The Ark
The Ark
Date: Saturday 21 Oct at 10.30am – 12.30pm
In this CPD workshop for teachers, you will enjoy: Learning some of these new songs which are simple and fun to sing. It can be difficult to find songs in Irish in genres other than traditional; these songs are new and in a variety of music styles.
Join musician Ríona Sally Hartman in discovering music in the classroom anew in this morning CPD workshop for teachers presented through Irish and English. Ríona has created a new collection of original bilingual songs written specifically for use in primary school classrooms with accompanying class activities.
Exploring links to recordings and work-pages to accompany the songs that you can photocopy for use in the classroom. Trying out sample activities to cover all three areas of the music curriculum: listening and responding, performing and composing. Discovering songs for use outside music time, such an “attention grabber” in Irish (a very short call and response song to use when you want to get the class’s attention). Ríona will also bring some examples of other books and CDs that she finds useful in the classroom. There’ll be time to look at these and time for discussion and questions also.
Overall, this fun and inspiring workshop will build your confidence in both your Irish and your singing voice. It is suitable for all levels of experience and the resources shared will work for all primary classes.
Cost: €20 (€18 for ArkEd Members)
Book your ticket here: https://ark.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873639444
!!!! Keystone by Art School; An Exhibition of Moving Image at The Courthouse Gallery
The Courthouse Gallery and Studios, Ennistymon
Date : 8th – 29th September
The Courthouse Gallery and Studios launched Keystone; new moving image work by Art School on 8th September. Commissioned by Clare Arts Office to celebrate twenty years of arts in education programming, Keystone was developed with selected artists Mitch Conlon and James Moran in collaboration with fifth year students from two schools in Co. Clare.
Taking the theme of the collective as its central point of departure, Keystone took shape as a series of workshops guided by artist Mitch Conlon and theatre maker and comedian James Moran working with the 5th year art students and teachers of Coláiste Muire, Ennis, and Scoil Mhuire, Ennistymon, during the school year 2022–23. The project was curated by Jennie Guy, founder and director of Art School, alongside invited co-curator Fiona Gannon, and investigated ideas around the collective by exploring the places where teenagers go to hang out.
Through presentations, games, recording sessions and collaborative decision-making, the production of Keystone explored the atmospheres of specific hang-out spots visited by the students from both schools. Drawing on additional support from filmmaker and artist Emily McFarland and electronic music composer Liam McCartan (Son Zept), the students worked with sound and video to communicate the dynamics of these often peripheral places.
There was a private screening for students and other project partners in the Courthouse Gallery on the 8th September 2023 at 6PM and the work will be subsequently exhibited in the gallery space upstairs from the 8th through the 29th of September. The gallery opening hours are 12pm through 5pm.
To celebrate the launch of the project, a limited edition poster is being produced with award-winning design studio Distinctive Repetition to mark this screening event and will be gifted to each student collaborator involved in the project.
Keystone is supported by Clare Arts Office and the Arts Council.
The project was a recipient of the 2023 Arts in Education Documentation Award
!!!! Opportunities and Events For Teachers and Artists at Solstice Arts Centre
Solstice Arts Centre
Solstice Arts Centre have a number of upcoming events and opportunities for teachers, artists and schools.
Opportunity; An introduction to the gallery for educators & artists
Date: 3rd October 2023 at 4pm
Solstice Gallery are offering teachers, lecturers, teaching artists, youth workers or community leaders an opportunity to learn more about the gallery and what it can offer your class or group.
Over a relaxed tea/coffee, you can discover how to use their gallery as a rich learning environment. Through the exploration of contemporary artists and their work, experience the Solstice Arts Centre’s VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies) tours and resources, discover their artist-led workshops created especially for schools and plan a visit for your students with their Learning & Engagement Coordinator. Embracing cross-curricular links, this rich environment for learning supports all students in primary, secondary and 3rd level.
Read more about the event here; https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/an-introduction-to-our-gallery-for-educators-and-artists
School Gallery VTS Tours
Dates: Tuesdays – Fridays, various times available.
Exploring contemporary artworks in Solstice’s gallery spaces using VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies), this is an opportunity for pupils and teachers to investigate, analyse and reflect on multiple perspectives. With cross-curricular links, these sessions support pupils in primary and post-primary, placing them at the centre of the learning process. While visiting Solstice, Senior Cycle students will receive specific information and resources that embrace Content Area 3: Today’s World of the New Appreciating Art Visual Studies curriculum. Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is an inquiry-based method of visual processing. Responding and expanding thoughts revealed within group engagement, VTS improves oral and visual literacy, problem solving and collaborative interactions among peers.
Price: free, booking essential, duration: 90mins
Read more about the event here; https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/school-gallery-tours-primary-and-secondary
Sensory Connections
Dates: Wed 6, 13 Sept/4, 11, 18, 25 Oct, 8/ 15 Nov/ 6, 13 Dec.
These relaxed gallery tours and short workshops designed for small groups with additional needs and their teacher/carers follow a slow pace of engagement. Tailored to individual needs participants can engage in a multi-disciplinary, sensory activity that connects to an artwork on display. All levels of capability are welcome. The gallery will be closed during your visit and guidance from teachers and carers will be discussed prior to the session.
Read more about the event here: https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/sensory-connections-1
For all queries and bookings email Deirdre: deirdre.rogers@solsticeartscentre.ie
!!!! Blog 4 – Coláiste Muire (Ennis) and Scoil Mhuire (Ennistymon), Co. Clare
Our Voices
During 2023 I took part in the Keystone art project. Once a week, Mitch and James, two successful artists, came to our school for a discussion, which later became activities and progress on the actual project. For the first few weeks we all got to know each other by chatting and discussing our favourite art forms. Something that stood out for me during these chats was our discussion of collaboration and what it meant to us. We all got to say what we thought, making the classroom environment very collaborative. We discussed whether people should have different roles within the project. I loved having these discussions and getting to know the artists, as it made the project a lot easier to work on.
Our first task was to write about somewhere special to us. I chose Lahinch as it is where I’m from and where I have spent many happy memories with my friends. We all shared our work with the class which gave us insight into our favourite places around the local area. Our second task was to record audio from somewhere in our area or community. I recorded the sounds of waves crashing on the beach as it is a sound that relaxes me, and I associate it with fond memories. We shared our sound recordings in class. After more discussion, where we looked for common interests in our chosen locations and recordings, we decided on what other footage we might need for our film. We all went to Lahinch with a film crew and equipment to record. We took film footage of the rocks, sand etc. We all had a go at filming and holding the recording equipment. This was a really fun day as we finally got to see a vision for what the finished project would become.
The next week in the classroom we received our first draft for the audio of our short film. It included all the sounds that we hand recorded earlier in the year as well as nostalgic music. The artists explained that our footage would be laid down after the soundtrack.
A few weeks later, we finally got to see our first draft of the whole film. Each scene was numbered. We got to say what we liked and didn’t like, by taking notes on each scene. It was such a great feeling to finally see what we had been working on for so long. Our feedback was sent back to the artists and videographer, where they would edit and tweak the footage to align with what our class wanted.
Participating in this project was such a great experience. We got to be part of a huge collaboration where all student voices were heard. It felt great knowing that my own ideas would impact the project. I’m grateful for this opportunity, as I got to learn more about collaborative artwork which is something I would love to continue exploring. Thanks to Jennie, Mitch, James, Fiona and everyone involved for this fantastic opportunity.
!!!! Call for Papers, Presentations and Workshops! 2023 National Arts in Education Portal Day
Arts in Education Portal
Deadline: Friday 15 September 2023
Artists, teachers, academics and arts education professionals….Do you want to be part of the eighth annual National Arts in Education Portal Day?
The National Arts in Education Portal Day will take place at Mary Immaculate College on Saturday, 11 November 2023 in partnership with the Department of Arts Education & Physical Education. The event aims to bring together members of the arts in education and creative practice community from all across Ireland, to share, learn, talk, network, get inspired and continue interrogating best practice in the field.
The Arts in Education Portal Editorial Committee invites proposals from organisations or individuals who want to give dynamic and inspiring presentations or workshops that can offer sharing of skills, practical approaches, new insights and critical thinking across the field, from a range of perspectives.
This year, the Portal Day will continue the special focus of ‘Seldom Heard Voices’. The Committee particularly want to profile projects this year that reflect diversity and inclusion across school communities and represent all children.
Do you have a workshop or presentation that you would like to be included in the programme for this day? If so, please send us your proposal.
The deadline for submission of proposals is 5pm Friday 15th September 2023.
Proposals should be submitted via Google Forms, click here to access the form.
!!!! Opportunity for Teacher Creative Associates: Creative Schools
Creative Schools
Deadline: 31st August 2023
Creative Schools have launched a call out for Teacher Creative Associates. Scoileanna Ildánacha/Creative Schools is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme to enable the creative potential of every child. Creative Schools is led by the Arts Council in partnership with the Department of Education.
It is expected that the Creative Associate will work in partnership with up to one school to develop expertise and approaches that will develop and sustain arts and creative practices in their schools. Creative Associates will draw on the range of opportunities within the school and wider community to stimulate and support creative practices as part of the school’s plan.
Creative Associates are educators with their own arts practice and a deep understanding of creativity and its potential to transform the lives of children and young people. They are dynamic agents for change uniquely placed to form sustainable partnerships between teachers, school staff, learners and other partners.
They are original thinkers who will match the needs of schools to creative opportunities in their locality. They can identify potential areas for improvement and will inspire, energise and drive schools forward in addressing these. Through this pioneering initiative, Creative Associates will have the chance to shape the place of the arts and creativity in Irish schools.
It is expected that up to 10 to 15 Teacher Creative Associates will be engaged to deliver services. Each associate will be partnered with one school within one the following regions:
- Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo
- Mayo, Roscommon, Galway
- Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath
- Kildare, Louth, Meath, Wicklow
- Dublin
- Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford
- Cork, Kerry,
- Clare, Tipperary, Limerick
Follow the link to apply: https://form.jotform.com/232194890105354
For more information please visit: https://www.artscouncil.ie/creative-associate-opportunities/
!!!! Opportunity for Creative Practitioners: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR)
Deadline for applications: 16th August 2023 at 12pm
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, in partnership with Blackrock Education Centre, is looking for four experienced artists/creative practitioners to work with children and teachers in the classroom setting. They are also seeking two emerging artists/creative practitioners to join the programme. Applications are open to practitioners who work in any art form. The programme runs from October 2023 to May 2024.
The purpose of the programme is to partner a Creative Practitioner with a primary school class and teacher. They will explore creativity in the classroom together. A Creative Practitioner is a professional artist/facilitator with an art form background, for example; a dancer, a visual artist, a writer, or a musician.
- The fees are €60 per hour for facilitation; with an additional €500 payment for research and €250 for blogging about the programme. Payments will also be available for coming to three scheduled meetings with all the artists and teachers during each project. Five meetings with the teacher outside of contact hours with the class will be paid for, if these are required (these can be phone meetings or in person).
- The two emerging creative practitioners will be expected to work with a mentor who will support and assist their development. It is envisioned that this will be four sessions, two in the classroom and two outside.
To apply please email your application to mdavey@dlrcoco.ie with the subject line dlr Primary Arts
For further details please visit:www.dlrcoco.ie/sites/default/files/2023-07/dlr%20Primary%20Arts%20Programme%202023%20to%202024_0.pdf
!!!! Uillinn: Brightlines – Children’s exhibition of work
Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre
DATE: 3rd June – 1st July 2023
Four primary schools from across West Cork came together to participate in Bright Lines – Uillinn’s Spring education programme for primary schools. Bright Lines invited students to stretch how they see and interpret the world around them and weave together new stories.
The programme consisted of a tour and workshop at Uillinn with Public Engagement Artist Kate McElroy viewing the work of Sérgio Leitao ‘The Fallout’ which was then followed by visits in the students’ classrooms to develop their own collaborative collages exploring creativity and storytelling. Bright Lines invited students to be creative with their responses blending items from their everyday life with their imagination.
Altogether 100 students from 1st – 6th class worked on Bright lines. An exhibition of their work is currently on view until 1st July 2023.
Uillinn wish to thank students from Dromore NS, Scoil Mhuire NS, Schull, Scoil na mbuachaillí, Clonakilty and Gaelscoil Dr. Uí Shúilleabháin, Skibbereen for their excellent creative work and the teachers for taking part in the programme.
On Saturday 10 June between 10 AM – 1PM, children and young people are invited to take part in a drop in art activity at the centre where they too can add their artistic contributions to Bright Lines. This collaborative drawing art activity is part of the celebration of Crinniú na nÓg – A day of free creativity for children and young people.
To read more please visit: https://www.westcorkartscentre.com/schools-archive
!!!! National Gallery of Ireland Schools Programme 2023
National Gallery of Ireland (NGI)
The National Gallery of Ireland have released their spring programme for schools. Some highlights include:
ONSITE:
School Tour: Collection highlights (free)
Term Time. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm
Explore treasures of the national collection through engaging discussions with National Gallery expert guides on this free school tour. Focusing on dialogue, questioning, and creativity, this free tour will embolden students to look, respond, and form opinions. The tour will be tailored to the age and level of your group and is available in Irish, English or ISL.
The school tours are free but booking is essential. Book your tour here
Sketching Tour (€35)
Term Time. Thursdays at 12.30pm
Take a deeper look at the national collection on this sketching tour with an artist from the NGI’s guide panel. Use sketching to observe and respond to details and techniques. Your guide will select some key artworks to look at in depth on this tour. The tour will be tailored to the age and level of your group and is available in English.
Booking is essential. Book your sketching tour online
ONLINE:
Gallery in the Classroom (free)
Term Time. Monday- Friday at 12pm.
Explore treasures of the national collection through engaging online discussions with one of their expert guides. Focusing on dialogue, questioning and creativity, the session will embolden students to look, respond and form opinions. The online session will be tailored to the age and level of your group and is available in Irish or English. You can choose from the following themes: Collection Highlights; Portraits; Irish Art; European Art.
Book an online Gallery in the Classroom session
For more information on all on offer this spring at NGI please visit https://www.nationalgallery.ie/explore-and-learn/schools/schools-programme
!!!! Minister Foley announces call for applications from schools for BLAST 2023 and Creative Clusters initiatives
Department of Education: BLAST and Creative Clusters
Deadlines:
BLAST: 19th May 2023
Creative Clusters: 12th May 2023
The Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has invited primary and post-primary schools to apply for the arts in education initiative, Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers (BLAST) 2023 and Creative Clusters.
BLAST – Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teaches
BLAST will be running in 2023 for the third time. The 2023 programme will enable 425 new arts in education residencies in schools over the course of the year.
The aim of BLAST is to provide pupils in schools all over the country, time and the space to work with a professional artist on creative, imaginative and fun projects.
For Applications in English and Irish, please visit: https://www.edcentretralee.ie/blast.html
The deadline for receipt of applications is 19th May 2023.
Watch the promotional video for the TAP+ and BLAST initiatives: https://vimeo.com/825074868
Creative Clusters
Each Creative Cluster will receive grant funding of €3,000 per school over a two-year period to implement their project in the 2023–2025 school years (e.g. a cluster of 3 schools would receive €9,000 over two years while a cluster of 5 schools would receive €15,000 over two years). Clusters will receive 50% of the total grant funding in Year 1, with the second 50% being provided in Year 2. In addition, but separate to the grant funding, all successful clusters are further supported with: A fully paid Creative Cluster Facilitator; paid Teacher Substitution to attend training and meetings; room hire, travel & subsistence.
For Applications in English and Irish please visit: https://www.edcentretralee.ie/creative-clusters.html
The deadline for receipt of applications is 12th May 2023.
For more information on both initiatives please visit: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/5e9e9-minister-foley-announces-call-for-applications-from-schools-for-blast-2023-and-creative-clusters-initiatives/
Watch the promotional video for theCreative Clusters initiative: https://vimeo.com/825072944
!!!! Professional Development Opportunity: Social Practice Toolkit
Cork City Council & Leitrim County Council
Deadline: Monday 10th April
Cork City Council Arts Office and Leitrim County Arts Office invite artists with a special interest in arts practice with children and young people to participate in a FREE professional development opportunity.
Supported by The Arts Council Invitation to Collaboration Scheme and taking place throughout May and June, this exciting programme—Social Practice Toolkit: Children and Youth—is aimed at artists and arts workers who are keen to exchange knowledge and upskill in collaborative and participatory arts with children and young people.
The deadline for applications is midnight on Monday 10th April. Please contact sptoolkit2023@gmail.com with any queries.
For more information and to apply, visit:
!!!! Schools are invited to The Race – a new theatre show at The Ark
The Ark
Dates: Thursday 18th May and Friday 19th May
An exciting new dance piece for children aged 4+ inspired by Aesop’s Fables, presented by The Ark, Dublin Dance Festival and Arts & Disability Ireland.
From acclaimed international choreographer, Marc Brew, The Race entwines three of Aesop’s Fables to create a fun, interactive and colourful world of animals, puppets, theatre and movement.
Cheer with the cast of animals as the Tortoise and the Hare set off for the finish line, join the Grasshopper in gazing with fascination as the Ants collect food for the winter ahead, and root for the little Mouse as she faces down the mighty Lion! Watch as their journeys unfold through beautiful movement and dance, and share in the lessons they learn along the way.
The Race will make its World Premiere as part of Dublin Dance Festival 2023. Presented by a cast of disabled and non-disabled dance artists, all performances have been created to offer an inclusive audience experience. The show is relaxed in nature and welcomes children who are neurodiverse.
School Day Performances
Previews – Thursday 18th May, 10.15am & 12.15pm and Friday 19th May, 10.15am
Fri 19 May, 12.15pm
Schools’ Tickets: €6.50 (€5 Early Bird** if booked by 21 April). Teachers go free.
Book your tickets here: https://ark.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873634148
!!!! Creative Associate Opportunities with Creative Schools
The Arts Council’s Creative Associates
Deadline: 12 mid-day, Tuesday 18th April 2023
Creative Schools is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for artists, creative practitioners and individuals working in organisations in the arts and cultural sector.
The Arts Council wish to engage between 100 and 120 Creative Associates to work in up to 400 schools across the Republic of Ireland. Creative Associates are artists or creative practitioners with a deep understanding of creativity and its potential to transform the lives of children and young people. They are key to the success of the Creative Schools initiative. Individuals or organisations that wish to nominate an individual may apply for this opportunity.
Full details on the services and how to apply are available https://www.artscouncil.ie/creative-associate-opportunities/
Applications must be completed and submitted by 12 mid-day on Tuesday 18 April 2023.
!!!! Opportunity for Schools: The Safer Internet Day Awards Art Competition
Webwise / PDST Technology in Education
Deadline: Friday, 21st April
The Safer Internet Day Awards are back and this year a special new category has been added for budding creatives.
NEW: Art Competition with special guest judge; Irish artist – Maser. Be in with a chance to have your work exhibited in a gallery! Simply design a poster under the Safer Internet Day theme Respect and Empathy Online.
- Entries will be judged by International Irish Artist Maser.
- Open to Primary and Post-Primary Schools.
- Closing date March 31st.
Categories for Primary:
1st and 2nd Class | 3rd and 4th Class | 5th and 6th Class
Categories for Post-Primary:
1st and 2nd Year | Transition Year | 5th and 6th Year
How to submit your entry:
Post your entry to: Webwise / PDST Technology in Education, Innovation House DCU Alpha, Old Finglas Rd, Dublin 11, D11 KXN4
Include the following information: Name, school, teacher’s contact details, category you are entering, and a brief description of the poster.
For full details on the competition see https://www.webwise.ie/saferinternetday/competition/art-competition/
!!!! The FÍS Film Project Awards 2023 – Winners Announced
FÍS Film Awards 2023
Cappawhite National School in Tipperary have been crowned winners of ‘FÍS Film of the Year’ at the FÍS Film Awards 2023, which have taken place at The Helix, DCU, Dublin.
The movie, entitled ‘The Christmas Truce of 1914’ recounts the fabled ceasefire between British and German soldiers on the Western Front during World War I. It also scooped the Outstanding Cinematography prize. The FÍS Film Awards 2023 recognises the creative talents of primary school children across Ireland.
The Awards, hosted by RTE’s Sinead Kennedy, is a collaboration between the Institute of Art, Design and Technology and the Professional Development Service for Teachers It was devised as a grassroots initiative to nurture Ireland’s future moviemaking talent by encouraging them to devise, develop, produce, and submit their short films for consideration in a range of categories. The event was co-produced by students of IADT’s National Film School and streamed live on the official FÍS website.
Some other 2023 winners include :
- Lackamore NS, Tipperary – Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking – Adaptation – Na Trí Mhuc
- Carrig N.S, Offaly – Award for Best Comedy – The Villains
- Strawberry Hill NS, Cork – Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking – Production Design – The Normans
- Gaelscoil Riabhach, Galway – An Scannán Is Fearr as Gaeilge – Fáilte go dtí An Córas Díleá
Commenting on this year’s awards, FÍS Manager from The Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bernadette Meagher said: “The judges had a tough task at this year’s event, the standard and ambition of the entries was so high, not to mention the creativity. We congratulate every one of the children involved, along with their teachers, on their well-deserved awards……”
!!!! National Museum of Ireland: Schools Spring 2023 Programme
National Museum of Ireland (NMI)
The National Museum of Ireland (NMI) is inviting schools and teachers across Ireland to spring into culture and heritage with a new programme of tours, activities and resources for onsite and online engagement.
The museum has just launched a diverse range of events across four public sites in Dublin and Mayo. Activities include virtual tours, guided tours, self-guided visits, workshops, classroom resources, video resources, wordsearches, arts and crafts and more.
The curriculum-linked programme aims to spark curiosity, stimulate discussion and encourage cultural and heritage engagement through our national collections.
All schools visits are free but must be booked in advance as capacity is limited and varies from site to site.
- Primary level: Browse the full spring 2023 programme
- Post Primary level: Browse the full spring 2023 programme
Here are some of the highlights of the upcoming schedule.
Orienteering Workshop / Post Primary
Learn some basic map reading and navigation skills and complete an orienteering course around the grounds of the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life at Turlough Park in Co Mayo. Booking is required.
PRIMARY / Classroom activity: Ice Age Ireland – Cool Fossils
Use these curriculum-linked activity sheets and video resource to learn more about Ice Age Ireland. In this museum activity, find out about Ice Age Ireland, learn about fossils and the different kinds of animals that lived on your doorstep thousands of years ago.
For the full programme of activities go to https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/News/Schools-programme-2023
!!!! Call for presentations: Portal Spring Regional Day 2023
Deadline: 3 February 2023, 5pm
Artists, teachers, academics and arts education professionals… Would you like to be part of the Portal Spring Regional Day? The Arts in Education Portal Team are seeking submissions for presentations for the Portal Spring Regional Day 2023 with a focus on the South-West Region. This regional event will take place in Cork City on 6th May 2023.
The event aims to connect teachers, artists, arts managers and anyone with an interest in art and creativity in education based in Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary. Practitioners can learn more about the Portal and what it offers, tell us about their work, connect with the community at regional level, share practice and find out what opportunities or events are available in their local area.
We are inviting proposals from organisations or individuals who are involved in arts and creative projects in education in the South-West, and who want to give inspiring presentations or workshops that can offer sharing of skills, practical approaches, new insights and critical thinking across the field, from a range of perspectives.
The 2023 event will also include an accompanying exhibition in partnership with Sample Studios at their gallery in the Lord Mayor’s Pavilion, Fitzgerald Park. The exhibition will be an opportunity for artists from successful proposals to exhibit their own work. The exhibition will run from 27th April to 27th May.
Do you have a presentation that you would like to be included in the programme for the Portal Spring Regional Day? If so, please download our Proposal form from the link below. If you have any questions please get in touch by email to editor@artsineducation.ie.
Further Information
- The programme includes two project presentations with up to two presenters.
- Deadline: 5pm, 3 February 2023
Download the submission form Portal Spring Regional Day Proposal Form 2023.
!!!! Opportunity: Portal Documentation Award 2023
Deadline: 24 February 2023
The Arts in Education Portal editorial team are pleased to invite applications for a documentation award. Through the award, successful applicants will receive services to the value of €5,000 that will support them in the documentation of a current or upcoming project and a €500 stipend.
The purpose of the award is to support the development of documented outcomes from Arts in Education initiatives in Ireland, which can be shared with the arts in the education community and give insights into different processes of engagement. This is part of the Arts in Education Portal Editorial Committee’s commitment to supporting and recognising the value of documentation and reflection as key components within arts in education initiatives.
Two awards will be offered through this opportunity.
Outcomes of the documentation process will include: a project video, a project feature to be showcased on the Portal’s Projects/Partnerships, and the option of a critical essay, with a view to also presenting the work as part of the Arts in Education Portal National Day in 2023.
The process will involve meetings with the Portal Team and a schedule of up to 2 visits over the course of the project to capture video and photographic documentation and support reflective processes among participants. These visits and meetings can be conducted virtually if required. The portal team will work closely with the recipients to ensure all restrictions and protocols in terms of COVID-19 are adhered to during the process to ensure safety for all involved.
The portal team will edit and produce a project video and will liaise closely with the project partners to develop the content for the project feature. The critical essay would be cited in the Portal’s Reading Room and is optional. The author and focus of the essay can be decided by the project organisers in collaboration with the Portal Team.
Criteria
To be considered for this opportunity, projects must:
- Have started in Autumn 2022 and continue into 2023, or take place in 2023. Please note if selected, filming of engagement sessions will take place after 20th March 2023.
- Have a minimum duration of 8 weeks.
- Involve a professional artist working collaboratively within an educational setting (early years, primary or post-primary).
- Be underpinned by a strong ethos of collaboration and a commitment to excellence. Focus on the creative process, with children having an active and collaborative role
Additional criteria
Successful applicants will be asked to ensure that relevant permissions/consent have been sought for the documentation of participants.
Please ensure your application has been approved by all project partners prior to submission.
How to make a submission:
- Complete your application using this online form
- Deadline for submission is 5pm, Friday 24 February 2023.
!!!! Call Out: Art Facilitators for Frameworks, Cork Art Collection in Schools Scheme
Cork County Library and Arts Service
Deadline: Midnight 29 August 2021
Cork County Library and Arts Service is inviting visual artists, designers and craftspeople to apply for role of facilitators for Frameworks, its 2021 – 2022 Art Collection in Schools Scheme. Six primary schools across County Cork will be participating in the scheme.
The purpose of Frameworks is to:
- Make visual art available for primary school children to view and engage with in their own schools.
- Foster a sense of appreciation and understanding for visual art.
- Support the primary school curriculum.
- Provide the school with the opportunity to engage with a visual artist, designer or craftsperson.
Cork County Council has a substantial collection of visual art. This civic collection includes works in various media including, painting, drawing, print, photography, video and small scale 3—dimensional work. These artworks were created by emerging and established artists, many of who are living and working in Cork county.
Facilitators will engage with a primary school class for four 2-hour sessions, working with five artworks from the Cork County Collection as their starting point. The artworks will be installed in schools for the academic year 2021— 2022. The art facilitators will create and deliver an engagement plan specific to the artworks and context of the class. This plan should take into consideration the age of the class and other contexts such as geographic, historic or environmental factors.
Deadline: Midnight 29 August 2021
Artists will be paid a fee for these engagements, plus travel costs. A materials budget will be made available to each participating
school.
For more information or to apply, see www.yourcouncil.ie/service/Frameworks___Call_for_Artists
!!!! Education Advisor Role with Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership
Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership
Deadline: Friday 3 September, 2021
Kids’ Own is seeking an Education Advisor to develop and expand their links with teachers, schools, and academics in teaching and learning over a nine-month period from October 2021. The Education Advisor is a brand new fixed-term role that aims to support Kids’ Own by building new audiences through outreach to schools. The Advisor will also build on the increased interest of teachers, academics, and educational bodies in their work. They will develop new connections with all of the above to ensure Kids’ Own’s work remains linked with sectoral developments.
The Education Advisor will primarily:
1) build links between Kids’ Own and schools, teachers, and teacher training colleges
2) conduct focus groups to understand the links between our books and the current and incoming primary school curriculum
3) make connections with governmental educational bodies
4) advocate for the use of Kids’ Own books within the classroom to demonstrate the value of greater representation of children’s voices and lived experience within the curriculum and the books children encounter in school.
Qualifications and experience needed:
- A strong interest in arts in education
- A qualification in education or equivalent experience
- Up-to-date knowledge of primary education in Ireland
- Experience of working with schools, teachers, and primary school student groups
- Experience with self-directed projects
- Full, clean driving license and access to own transport
- Interest in and strong commitment to advocating for children’s voices and rights. Previous experience in this area would be desirable.
Deadline: Friday 3rd September, 2021
To apply, please send a detailed cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role, along with a CV to staff@kidsown.ie. Please include a document that outlines ideas you have for how you may approach this role. This should include a breakdown of costings according to the fee that is being offered. There is a set fee of €10,000 offered for this role to take place between October 2021 and July 2022. This is primarily to cover the Education Advisor’s fee, but must also cover any other anticipated expenses, e.g. travel costs, materials etc.
For more information, see kidsown.ie/education-advisor-job-with-kids-own-publishing/
!!!! Announcing the 25th Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
October 4 — 17, 2021
For their 25th Arts Festival for Children, Baboró will be celebrating the rights of the child, inspired by the UN Convention on the Rights of The Child. The arts festival will have strands of events and performances dedicated to giving children a platform for their voice to be heard, a space for expression and, of course, a festival experience to be enjoyed with family and friends.
Two Baboró commissions, a co-commission and a touring exhibition, will be central to these celebrations and part of the festival programme in October. The full programme and box office will be announced at the end of August.
Dates: October 4 — 17, 2021
For more information on Baboró’s festival, see www.baboro.ie/news-events/celebrating-our-25th-festival