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Arts in Education Portal Documentation Awards 2026

The Portal team have had an exciting few months on the road, visiting and documenting the fantastic projects awarded Documentation Awards this year. The annual Portal Documentation Award supports the documentation of arts in education initiatives across Ireland, creating resources that can be shared with the wider arts in education community and offer insights into different creative processes. Both projects that we visited, highlighted the power of arts and creativity in education, and we look forward to sharing their stories.

Orpheus in the Garden

In May, we visited Orpheus in the Garden, a partnership between Music Network and the National Botanic Gardens. This inspiring music project brought together children from two DEIS schools to collaborate with professional artists on a creative exploration of the biodiversity crisis.

Our first visit took us to Mother of Divine Grace Primary School in Finglas, Dublin, where fifth class pupils were joined by a neighbouring fifth class from Virgin Mary Boys School in Ballymun. Together with their teachers, Ms Maher and Mr Clinton, they took part in a music workshop led by composer and musical director Dee Isaacs. The children had been working hard with Dee over the previous weeks, participating in creative workshops and preparing for their performances of Orpheus in the Garden. There was great excitement in the classroom, with plenty of discussion about the costumes they would wear in the gardens.

Primary school children at Creative Workshop with Dee Isaacs for Orpheus in the Garden

Fifth class children from Mother of Divine Grace School in Finglas and Virgin Mary Boys School Ballymun at creative workshop with Dee Isaacs

Our second visit, on a tropically warm day, brought us to the National Botanic Gardens, where the children were taking part in a dress rehearsal with the full cast of professional artists and musicians. We were treated to a preview of what audiences would enjoy during two twilight performances of Orpheus in the Garden on 27 and 28 May.

It was a joy to witness the children’s enthusiasm as they transformed into unexpected creatures and sang among the plants and trees as part of the children’s choir. They were eagerly looking forward to sharing their performances with family and friends. All of their hard work had paid off – they were ready.

Primary school children perform in Orpheus in the Garden at National Botanic Gardens

Primary School children from Dublin perform at Orpheus in the Garden at National Botanic Gardens

PlaySpaces

In June, we headed to Cork City to visit PlaySpaces, a multi-year collaborative arts project with children from St Vincent’s Convent Primary School and Múin Afterschool, led by artist Chris Finnegan in partnership with Cork Midsummer Festival. Through a series of workshops, the children from St Vincent’s and Múin Afterschool were asked what their city would look like if they were in charge. Their answer was simple: they wanted to play!

Our first visit took us to St Vincent’s in Blackpool, where artist Chris had been working with second class students to create a city-wide trail of imaginative play spaces. During the workshop, the children got to see 3D models of their creations for the first time. Their excitement as they watched their imaginative ideas come to life was infectious. Now it was time to put the finishing touches to their designs!

PlaySpaces workshop in St Vincents Primary School Cork

Second class at St Vincents Primary School working with artist Chris Finnegan putting finishing touches to designs

On our second visit to Cork, we joined the children for a special walking tour of PlaySpaces. It was wonderful to see their excitement as they experienced their creations installed across the city.

PlaySpaces at Cork City Library

Second class from St Vincents Primary School visit PlaySpaces reading nook at Cork City Library

PlaySpaces opened during Cork Midsummer Festival and continues throughout the summer, inviting families to explore child-designed play spaces across Cork City. Follow the trail map and discover a cosy den, an imaginary theatre creature, a secret treehouse, a magical book nook and a sensory space disco.
Visitors can also learn more about this collaborative, child-led project at the accompanying exhibition in Sample-Studios Gallery, Lord Mayor’s Pavilion, Fitzgerald’s Park.

PlaySpaces runs from 12 June to 22 August.

The Portal team is delighted to announce Orpheus in the Garden as the first recipient of a 2026 Arts in Education Portal Documentation Award.

We’re thrilled to be working with the two recipients of our documentation awards over the coming months. Their projects will be featured and showcased on the Portal as the documentation unfolds—stay tuned!

Orpheus in the Garden – About the Project

Orpheus in the Garden brings together children from two DEIS schools; Virgin Mary Boys School, Ballymun and Mother of Divine Grace Primary School, Finglas to collaborate with professional artists on a creative exploration of the biodiversity crisis.

Music Network, Ireland’s touring and music development organisation, is bringing this unique project to life in partnership with the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.

Led by renowned composer Dee Isaacs, the project will engage students in a series of educational and creative workshops, culminating in an original theatrical music show that blends art and science.

It will conclude with a series of magical performances open to the public, featuring the students performing alongside a cast of professional singers, actors and musicians in the stunning surroundings of Ireland’s National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin in May 2026.

The project explores the potential for the arts to expose, highlight and raise awareness around climate issues and the ability for art to connect with people in a way that policies or politics often can’t.

Through a unique collaboration between the Botanic Gardens, DEIS schools, and professional artists, this Music Network project empowers children to explore creativity and biodiversity loss while building curiosity, knowledge, and a shared sense of responsibility within their community. This project is supported by Dublin City Council, Grant Thornton, Permanent TSB, Movement for Good, Ireland Funds, OPW and DCU.

Dee Isaacs – Lead Artist

Dee Isaacs professional practice focuses on music and creative arts in participatory settings across social and educational contexts. With 25 years’ experience in community music as an academic, researcher, and composer, Dee currently serves as a Senior Lecturer leading Community Music and Arts Practice at the University of Edinburgh.

Dee is committed to the transformative power of music-making for both individuals and communities. Her work includes international experience, such as coordinating War Child programmes in the Caucasus and collaborating with refugee communities in Greece.

Her practice continues to be shaped by the pedagogical and artistic learning from these projects, alongside an ongoing commitment to the communities she works with.

James Riordan – Director

James Riordan is a bilingual theatre maker from Galway, trained in physical theatre at LISPA London and the APT Berlin and currently serving as the Artistic Director of Galway based Brú Theatre.

He is a core member of Macnas, directing and performance directing the company’s work. James teaches post-graduate Mask, Mime and Movement at Griffith College, Dublin.

Darragh Conlon – 5th Class Teacher, Virgin Mary Boys School, Ballymun

Darragh is a primary school teacher working in the same disadvantaged area he grew up. He is committed to creating a warm, welcoming school environment and believes in providing children with opportunities beyond the classroom, including arts, sports, and educational trips.

Darragh places a strong emphasis on giving students access to new and meaningful experiences, particularly those they may not otherwise encounter.

Eoin Dolan – Principal of Mother of Divine Grace Primary School, Finglas

Eoin began his teaching career 18 years ago in Ballymun and has since worked exclusively in DEIS schools.

He is deeply committed to improving educational experiences for children who may have faced challenges or trauma. His approach emphasises nurturing curiosity, creativity, and imagination through play and collaboration, with creativity integrated across subjects to build confidence and encourage a lifelong love of learning.


!!!! Arts in Education Portal Documentation Award 2026 – Update

Arts in Education Portal Documentation Awards 2026

The Portal team have had an exciting few months on the road, visiting and documenting the fantastic projects awarded Documentation Awards this year. The annual Portal Documentation Award supports the documentation of arts in education initiatives across Ireland, creating resources that can be shared with the wider arts in education community and offer insights into different creative processes. Both projects that we visited, highlighted the power of arts and creativity in education, and we look forward to sharing their stories.

Orpheus in the Garden

In May, we visited Orpheus in the Garden, a partnership between Music Network and the National Botanic Gardens. This inspiring music project brought together children from two DEIS schools to collaborate with professional artists on a creative exploration of the biodiversity crisis.

Our first visit took us to Mother of Divine Grace Primary School in Finglas, Dublin, where fifth class pupils were joined by a neighbouring fifth class from Virgin Mary Boys School in Ballymun. Together with their teachers, Ms Maher and Mr Clinton, they took part in a music workshop led by composer and musical director Dee Isaacs. The children had been working hard with Dee over the previous weeks, participating in creative workshops and preparing for their performances of Orpheus in the Garden. There was great excitement in the classroom, with plenty of discussion about the costumes they would wear in the gardens.

Primary school children at Creative Workshop with Dee Isaacs for Orpheus in the Garden

Fifth class children from Mother of Divine Grace School in Finglas and Virgin Mary Boys School Ballymun at creative workshop with Dee Isaacs

Our second visit, on a tropically warm day, brought us to the National Botanic Gardens, where the children were taking part in a dress rehearsal with the full cast of professional artists and musicians. We were treated to a preview of what audiences would enjoy during two twilight performances of Orpheus in the Garden on 27 and 28 May.

It was a joy to witness the children’s enthusiasm as they transformed into unexpected creatures and sang among the plants and trees as part of the children’s choir. They were eagerly looking forward to sharing their performances with family and friends. All of their hard work had paid off – they were ready.

Primary school children perform in Orpheus in the Garden at National Botanic Gardens

Primary School children from Dublin perform at Orpheus in the Garden at National Botanic Gardens

PlaySpaces

In June, we headed to Cork City to visit PlaySpaces, a multi-year collaborative arts project with children from St Vincent’s Convent Primary School and Múin Afterschool, led by artist Chris Finnegan in partnership with Cork Midsummer Festival. Through a series of workshops, the children from St Vincent’s and Múin Afterschool were asked what their city would look like if they were in charge. Their answer was simple: they wanted to play!

Our first visit took us to St Vincent’s in Blackpool, where artist Chris had been working with second class students to create a city-wide trail of imaginative play spaces. During the workshop, the children got to see 3D models of their creations for the first time. Their excitement as they watched their imaginative ideas come to life was infectious. Now it was time to put the finishing touches to their designs!

PlaySpaces workshop in St Vincents Primary School Cork

Second class at St Vincents Primary School working with artist Chris Finnegan putting finishing touches to designs

On our second visit to Cork, we joined the children for a special walking tour of PlaySpaces. It was wonderful to see their excitement as they experienced their creations installed across the city.

PlaySpaces at Cork City Library

Second class from St Vincents Primary School visit PlaySpaces reading nook at Cork City Library

PlaySpaces opened during Cork Midsummer Festival and continues throughout the summer, inviting families to explore child-designed play spaces across Cork City. Follow the trail map and discover a cosy den, an imaginary theatre creature, a secret treehouse, a magical book nook and a sensory space disco.
Visitors can also learn more about this collaborative, child-led project at the accompanying exhibition in Sample-Studios Gallery, Lord Mayor’s Pavilion, Fitzgerald’s Park.

PlaySpaces runs from 12 June to 22 August.

!!!! 2026 Documentation Award: Orpheus in the Garden announced as first recipient

The Portal team is delighted to announce Orpheus in the Garden as the first recipient of a 2026 Arts in Education Portal Documentation Award.

We’re thrilled to be working with the two recipients of our documentation awards over the coming months. Their projects will be featured and showcased on the Portal as the documentation unfolds—stay tuned!

Orpheus in the Garden – About the Project

Orpheus in the Garden brings together children from two DEIS schools; Virgin Mary Boys School, Ballymun and Mother of Divine Grace Primary School, Finglas to collaborate with professional artists on a creative exploration of the biodiversity crisis.

Music Network, Ireland’s touring and music development organisation, is bringing this unique project to life in partnership with the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.

Led by renowned composer Dee Isaacs, the project will engage students in a series of educational and creative workshops, culminating in an original theatrical music show that blends art and science.

It will conclude with a series of magical performances open to the public, featuring the students performing alongside a cast of professional singers, actors and musicians in the stunning surroundings of Ireland’s National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin in May 2026.

The project explores the potential for the arts to expose, highlight and raise awareness around climate issues and the ability for art to connect with people in a way that policies or politics often can’t.

Through a unique collaboration between the Botanic Gardens, DEIS schools, and professional artists, this Music Network project empowers children to explore creativity and biodiversity loss while building curiosity, knowledge, and a shared sense of responsibility within their community. This project is supported by Dublin City Council, Grant Thornton, Permanent TSB, Movement for Good, Ireland Funds, OPW and DCU.

Dee Isaacs – Lead Artist

Dee Isaacs professional practice focuses on music and creative arts in participatory settings across social and educational contexts. With 25 years’ experience in community music as an academic, researcher, and composer, Dee currently serves as a Senior Lecturer leading Community Music and Arts Practice at the University of Edinburgh.

Dee is committed to the transformative power of music-making for both individuals and communities. Her work includes international experience, such as coordinating War Child programmes in the Caucasus and collaborating with refugee communities in Greece.

Her practice continues to be shaped by the pedagogical and artistic learning from these projects, alongside an ongoing commitment to the communities she works with.

James Riordan – Director

James Riordan is a bilingual theatre maker from Galway, trained in physical theatre at LISPA London and the APT Berlin and currently serving as the Artistic Director of Galway based Brú Theatre.

He is a core member of Macnas, directing and performance directing the company’s work. James teaches post-graduate Mask, Mime and Movement at Griffith College, Dublin.

Darragh Conlon – 5th Class Teacher, Virgin Mary Boys School, Ballymun

Darragh is a primary school teacher working in the same disadvantaged area he grew up. He is committed to creating a warm, welcoming school environment and believes in providing children with opportunities beyond the classroom, including arts, sports, and educational trips.

Darragh places a strong emphasis on giving students access to new and meaningful experiences, particularly those they may not otherwise encounter.

Eoin Dolan – Principal of Mother of Divine Grace Primary School, Finglas

Eoin began his teaching career 18 years ago in Ballymun and has since worked exclusively in DEIS schools.

He is deeply committed to improving educational experiences for children who may have faced challenges or trauma. His approach emphasises nurturing curiosity, creativity, and imagination through play and collaboration, with creativity integrated across subjects to build confidence and encourage a lifelong love of learning.