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.