National Arts in Education Portal Day 2025

Parallel Session Two: 1.30pm – 2.20pm

Presentation and Discussion: From Harmonic to Chorus: Amplifying Student Voice through Creative STEAM Engagement

Room EQ 002

Dr. Sharon Shannon, education-focused researcher and STEAM specialist at University College Dublin and writer and researcher Adam Breen will explore how inclusive, interdisciplinary ecosystems can be built around creativity, collaboration and research-informed practice. Drawing on two national initiatives, ‘Harmonic’ and ‘Chorus’, the session demonstrates how narrative, co-design and Universal Design for Learning can translate into scalable practice. Through partnerships between third- and second-level students, creative resources and skills videos are co-designed to scaffold flexible, interdisciplinary STEAM workshops. Their shared outputs later culminate in a mixed-media STEAM anthology for primary classrooms. The session highlights how creative STEAM engagement amplifies voice, fosters collaboration; and bridges research, practice, and policy.

Dr. Sharon Shannon is an education-focused researcher and STEAM specialist at University College Dublin with expertise in inclusive curriculum design, pedagogy and outreach. She has secured national and EU funding to advance interdisciplinary STEAM education. She is Principal Investigator on Chorus, a Research Ireland–funded project exploring creative, student-led approaches to STEAM engagement. She works across primary, secondary, further and higher education, as well as with artists and non-profit organisations to create innovative learning opportunities. Awarded the UCD Teaching Excellence Award for her teaching in Physics, she is committed to equity, innovation, and co-creation in education and community contexts.

Adam Breen is a writer and researcher whose work bridges storytelling, education and inclusive design. He holds a BA in English and Film from University College Dublin and a Diploma in Audio and Music Technology from Pulse College. He completed postgraduate studies in Design Thinking at University College Cork and is currently undertaking a Certificate in Neurodiversity in the Arts and Creative Sector at UCC. His work has been recognised through international publications, awards and research funding. Adam works on Chorus, a national STEAM co-design project at UCD with artists and educators developing creative resources that amplify young people’s voices.

Presentation and Discussion: Portal Documentation Award Recipient Series: Creativity in the Classroom: 28 Years a-growing

Room EQ 211

This is the story of how a visionary idea, planted by passionate educators and artists, took root in Dublin’s south inner city and has flourished for 28 years. ‘Creativity in the Classroom’ continues to nurture spaces where children are empowered to wonder, imagine and create within a rich, arts-infused educational environment.

This presentation celebrates the evolution and enduring impact of this initiative while exploring the broader role of the arts in education: how creative engagement shapes young minds, and how the school setting, in turn, influences the practices of the artists. Offering valuable insights from a uniquely longitudinal perspective, ‘Creativity in the Classroom’ reveals a dynamic interplay between place, people and process in the development of visual arts in schools. Artist Liz McMahon, Educator Melissa Hogan and Creative Practitioner Bernadette Larkin discuss the impact and challenges of implementing this unique programme and explore what learnings it can offer our arts in education community.

Liz McMahon graduated in Fine Art from Limerick School of Art and Design in 1981 and has been involved with many art programmes, in and out of primary schools since. She is the longest serving artist on the project (since 1997) and continues to provide mentorship and support to artists.

Melissa Hogan is a primary school teacher with a special interest in the creative arts and the positive impact creative expression has on well-being. She has been involved with Creativity in the Classroom for over 25 years and is passionate about how this wonderful project has enriched the lives of the children it serves in each of the school communities.

Bernadette Larkin is an arts educator and creative producer. Her practice aims to encourage links between education and artistic expression in schools, communities, and cultural institutions. She is dedicated to making the arts accessible to all children, designing and delivering programmes that foster creativity, critical thinking and a sense of cultural entitlement. Bernadette worked as Project Manager for ArkLink in Fatima Mansions, an initiative of The Ark & Head of Education & Programmes in Airfield Estate. Other roles include Children’s & Young People’s Arts & Education Advisor for Arts Council of Ireland, Reader in Residence, UNESCO City of Literature, Project Manager with Dublin City Council Culture Company and Evaluator for NEIC Artist in Residence Programmes.

Creative Workshop: Things that make me smile: Wearable artworks

Room EQ 212

Artist, Educator and Curator Róisín de Buitléar leads a glassmaking workshop that explores ‘What makes you smile?’. Beginning with quick sketches and playful experiments, the group moves into cutting, layering and collaging recycled glass to create small wearable artworks. The atmosphere will be light and welcoming, encouraging everyone to join in. As pieces take shape, participants share stories and discoveries, finishing with a joyful ‘show and tell’ that celebrates imagination and connection.

Róisín de Buitléar is an artist, educator, and curator whose work draws on her cultural heritage, exploring the interplay of sound and light in exhibitions and performances. Her acclaimed glassworks feature internationally, with 2025 shows in Spain, Hungary, France, and Finland. She lectured for 18 years at NCAD Dublin and was the first artist-in-residence at the National Museum of Ireland (2018–2019). Major commissions include the National Children’s Hospital, Basilica of Knock, and Waterford Hospital. Awarded Bonham’s Special Mention at Venice Glass Week (2022), she recently worked with Hometree charity, using art to address climate action issues in Donegal.