!!!! Creative Ireland Release Review of Creative Youth Plan 2018-2022

Creative Youth

Creative Ireland have released the review of the Creative Youth Plan 2018-2022.

Trinity College Dublin have undertaken a systematic review of the first Creative Youth Plan. Since 2017, Creative Youth has had a significant impact nationally which has included support for over 2,000 schools and Youthreach centres to enrich their students experience through a range of creative programmes, and provided access to programmes such as creative writing, youth drama, music, and creative technology, as well as supporting educators in embedding creativity into their programmes

The report is a systematic review of outcomes and trends across the Creative Youth Plan 2017 – 2022.

Read the report in full here: https://www.creativeireland.gov.ie/app/uploads/2025/03/20240327-Creative-Youth-2017-2022-Systematic-Review.pdf

!!!! Have Your Say: NCCA Consults on Five Draft Primary Curriculum Specifications in Arts Education

NCCA

Date: March to June 2024

As part of the redevelopment of the Primary School Curriculum, NCCA is now consulting on five Draft Primary Curriculum Specifications in Arts Education; Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) in the Primary Language Curriculum; Social and Environmental Education (SEE); Science, Technology and Engineering (STE) Education; and Wellbeing from March to June 2024.

The consultation includes gathering feedback from children, working with schools networks, online and in-person focus groups, online questionnaires, written submissions, bilateral meetings and a consultation conference.

Here are some of the ways you can get involved and have your say:

• Focus Group Events: Online and in-person focus groups will take place for teachers, school leaders and parents. The in-person focus groups will take place across the country.
• Questionnaires: There are two online questionnaires, one for education professionals and one for parents. Each should take no more than ten minutes to complete.
• Written submissions: Individuals, groups and organisations are invited to make an online written submission on one or more of the Draft Primary Curriculum Specifications.

 For more information on the consultation and how you can get involved, please visit their dedicated consultation page.

!!!! Opportunity: Teacher Artist Partnership+ Summer Course and Residency Programme 2024

Department for Education – TAP+

Date: Monday 1 July – Friday 5 July

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has announced the opening of registration for the 2024 Teacher Artist Partnership+ summer courses for primary and special school teachers, artists and creative practitioners.

These professional development summer courses for teachers and creative practitioners are aimed at enhancing arts and creativity in education in primary and special schools. The Teacher Artist Partnership+ Summer Courses will be provided free of charge in in each of the 21 full-time Education Centres in Ireland this summer. Each course will have 20 primary teachers and 4 professional artists participating.

Minister Foley said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers and creative practitioners to engage collaboratively in a creative partnership focused Summer Course which supports and enhances arts and creativity in education in primary and special schools, while supporting and developing the creative potential of every child”.

“I hope that this exciting initiative will help teachers and schools to further enhance creativity in their classrooms. It is important that our children are allowed to express themselves and learn to adapt and collaborate.”

The Creative Youth Programme aims to develop the creative potential of every child. Professional development for both teachers and creative practitioners working in schools is critical to the long-term success and sustainability of creativity in education.

To achieve the long-term objectives of cultural and creative education, it is necessary to build a critical mass of education and creative practitioner professionals who are versed in the theoretical frameworks of arts and creativity education and equipped with the skills and techniques for delivering programmes in partnership.

The TAP+ residency element of this programme will give students of all ages in primary and special schools the opportunity to have their TAP+ trained teacher and artist working together in their classroom facilitating the development of these essential skills for students to enjoy and explore artistic and creative expression.

TAP+ provides trained teachers with the opportunity to host a fully funded TAP+ Artist in Residency in their school in 2024/25. This Department of Education-led initiative is a highly innovative, creative and participant-responsive programme that promotes professional learning towards partnership.

!!!! Call for presentations and workshops: Portal Spring Regional Day 2024

Deadline extended: 5th April 2024

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 2024 with a focus on the North-West Region. This regional event will take place on Saturday 25th May in Sligo at Sligo Education Centre.

The event aims to connect teachers, artists, arts managers and anyone with an interest in art and creativity in education based in the counties around Sligo, Mayo, Donegal, Leitrim and Roscommon.

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 North-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.

Do you have a presentation or workshop that you would like to be included in the programme for the Portal Spring Regional Day? If so, please complete your proposal via our online form from the link below. If you have any questions please get in touch by email to editor@artsineducation.ie.

Application Information: 

• The programme includes two project presentations with up to two presenters.
• Two creative workshops with one facilitator will be selected.
• All Speakers and Creative workshop facilitators must be based in the North-West Region (Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo).
• Deadline: 5pm, 5th April 2024

Proposals should be submitted via Google Forms, click here to access the form.

!!!! Arts for transformative education: A guide for teachers from the UNESCO Associated Schools Network

UNESCO

This guide invites teachers to harness the transformative power of the arts through the research-informed Arts for Transformative Education model. This thinking tool for teachers was developed by analysing data from more than 600 teachers across 39 countries in the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).

The guide presents and explains the Arts for Transformative Education model – a thinking tool for understanding, planning and supporting transformative arts learning experiences. It also describes a curated collection of arts learning activities and projects from across the globe that may serve as inspiration for arts learning experiences suited to your own context.

This publication provides:

• 12 ‘learning experience descriptions’ illustrating how the Arts for Transformative Education model works in real-world learning.
• 12 ‘learning experience snapshots’ providing shorter additional examples.
• ‘Guidelines for teachers’ outlining a step-by-step process for activating arts learning to empower transformative education.

For more information and to download the guide please visit https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/arts-transformative-education-guide-teachers-unesco-associated-schools-network

!!!! Opportunity: Portal Documentation Award 2024

Deadline extended: 6 March 2024

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 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 2024.

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 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 2023 and continue into 2024, or take place in 2024. Please note if selected, filming of engagement sessions will take place after 19th March 2024.
• 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, Wednesday 6 March 2024.

Note: this article was amended on 29/02/24 to revise the deadline for submission from Friday 1 to Wednesday 6 March

!!!! Funding Opportunities and Events for Artists

The beginning of the year often signals the start of the funding cycle for artists and arts organisations, we have collated a number of upcoming webinars and sessions along with a selection grants of interest for artists working in the arts and creativity in education sector as well as school/education leaders.

Funding Opportunities from The Arts Council

The Arts Council is the national agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland. They recently released the current schedule for funding opportunities for 2024. The full listing can be found here: https://www.artscouncil.ie/funding-opportunities-schedule/

For interest to school/education leaders and artists in the arts and creativity in education practice are a selection of relevant funding streams:

Young People, Children, and Education Bursary Award – currently open, deadline 15th Feb (open to individual artists)

Writers in Schools Scheme – Ongoing (open to individual artists, administered by Poetry Ireland)

Creative Schools Initiative – opens 27th Feb, deadline 2nd May (open to Department of Education-recognised primary and post-primary schools and Youthreach centres)

Young People, Children and Education Residencies – opens 5th Mar, deadline 4th Apr (open to higher-education institutions that provide initial teacher education in partnership with an artist / arts organisation)

Arts in Early Learning and Childcare Scheme – opens 5th Mar, deadline 4th April (open to individual artists and arts organisations)

Agility Award – opens 5th Mar, deadline 25th Apr (open to individual artists and arts workers)

Young People, Children and Education Project Award – opens 25th Jun, deadline 25th Jul (open to individual artists)

Events

Visual Arts Ireland (VAI)

Date: Thursday 25th January 2024
VAI are hosting a webinar ‘An Artist’s Guide to Accessing Funding’ on Thursday 25th January at 11am via zoom with curator and critic Marianne O’Kane Boal. This event is supported by Clare, Limerick and Tipperary County Council Arts Offices. 

The online session will consist of one 45 minute presentation that will take a closer look at all things ‘Funding and applications’ covering grants, bursaries, residencies, per cent for art commissions and project proposals. It is free to artists based in Counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary and general admission is €10.

To register, visit the VAI website: https://visualartists.ie/professional-development-_/#!event/register/2024/1/25/webinar-an-artist-apos-s-guide-to-accessing-funding

The Arts Council

The Arts Council is also hosting a series of ‘Meet the Arts Council’ sessions in arts venues around the country in January/February.

These sessions are an opportunity to speak with Arts Council staff about funding opportunities and hear about what the Arts Council does.

Update: bookings have now closed for all events, but you are welcome to join the waiting list using the links below and the Arts Council will contact you if further places arise.

Schedule:

• VISUAL Carlow – Friday 19 January, 11am – 3pm. Join waiting list.
• Online event – Monday 22 January, 10am – 1pm. Join waiting list.
• Triskel Arts Centre, Cork – Thursday 25 January, 12pm – 4pm. Join waiting list.
• The Model, Sligo – Tuesday 30 January, 12pm – 4pm. Join waiting list.
• The Complex, Dublin – Friday 2 February, 11am – 3:30pm. Join waiting list.

!!!! The 2023 National Arts in Education Portal Day – Roundup

The Arts in Education Portal

“Do you know what I like about art..?
Is – it’s messy
You can do some things and it doesn’t turn out the way you think
It turns out better than you thought it would be”

– a participant on the Follow Your Nose project, presented by artist Julie Forrester

On November 11th the eighth annual National Arts in Education Portal Day took place at at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick in partnership with the Department of Arts Education & Physical Education. The national portal day has grown in significance as one of the key events in the arts and education calendar in Ireland, and this year through a very a inspiring set of presentations and workshops addressed the special focus of ‘Seldom Heard Voices’ reflecting diversity and inclusion across school communities..

With over 70 artists, teachers and arts in education professionals in attendance, this year’s conference was jointly opened by Helen O’Donoghue from the Arts in Education Portal Editorial Committee and Dr Gwen Moore of Mary Immaculate College. The day unfolded from there featuring a mix of lectures and workshops throughout the day providing insights into the breadth of practice across the sector. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Jill Goodwin, in a highly engaging talk entitled “Can you hear me? Creating space for listening – an artistic enquiry” delegates gained inspirational insights from Dr Goodwin’s practice working with children labelled as having profound and multiple learning disabilities, demystified many aspects of working in this space.

A set of resources that were referred to her in her presentation can be found at the end of this article.

The beautiful surrounds of Mary Immaculate College provided the space for a day filled with conversation, networking and connections. Thanks to all involved in making the day a huge success!

To view Dr Jill Goodwin’s resource set from the Portal Day click below:
References – ‘Can you hear me? Creating Space to Listen: An artistic enquiry’

!!!! Opportunity for Artists: Funding Opportunities for Artists in Schools Announced for Cork County

Cork County Council Arts Serive

Dealine : 9th January 2024

Cork County Council has announced details of its 2024 funding opportunities for the county’s arts sector. Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service is inviting proposals for funding for arts projects, activities and events taking place in the Cork County administrative area in 2024 that may be eligible for funding under a range of grant assistance schemes available.

Schemes announced include the Arts Grants Scheme which will support arts organisations and the voluntary sector, a scheme to support artists to work in schools, support for developing arts projects through the Irish Language, and a set of bursary and residency opportunities for professional artists of all disciplines.

Announcing details of the funding, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn, said, “Cork County Council is proud to support the arts community on an annual basis through our grants scheme. The Arts are integral to our communities, our schools, and our citizens. As well as supporting artists and arts organisations, we support festivals, performances, exhibitions, and other publicly accessible cultural programmes throughout County Cork. I look forward to seeing the joy and creativity that will emerge from the many projects who are set to benefit next year.”

Cork County Council supports artists, schools, and arts and community organisations in the Cork County administrative area annually through the following grant assistance schemes:

ARTS GRANT SCHEME

The Cork County Council Arts Grant Scheme provides financial or other assistance to individuals and organisations engaged in the presentation and promotion of arts activities or events in Cork County.

The Arts Grant Scheme is open to new or established arts groups, artists, festivals or other groups wishing to undertake creative artistic activity in any artform in the Cork County Council administrative area.

ARTISTS IN SCHOOLS SCHEME

The Artists in Schools Scheme enables primary and post-primary students and teaching staff to work collaboratively with an artist working in any artform on a creative project.

All Department of Education and Skills-recognised primary and post-primary schools and Youthreach centres in Cork County are eligible to apply.

To remove barriers for participation, this year for the first time, Cork County Council will also accept video/audio applications through the online portal. The Arts Office will provide assistance to applicants where extra accessibility support may be required.

Applications can be made online until the 9th of January 2024. Guidelines and further information is available here: https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/resident/arts/arts-funding-opportunities

For queries, email arts@corkcoco.ie or call 021- 4346210.

!!!! Opportunity for Teachers: Oide Creativity Autumn/Winter Workshops

OIDE Creativity

Dates: Various

OIDE Creativity have released various dates for their creative and engaging workshops for teachers this autumn and winter.

The courses include:

Unlocking Shakespeare:  The Merchant of Venice

Oide Creativity in collaboration with voice specialist Andrea Ainsworth, presents a one-day elective workshop, open to post-primary teachers from all subject disciplines.

This workshop offers participants an opportunity to:

• focus on a prescribed Shakespeare play (junior cycle English)
• experience practical, creative ways to lift Shakespeare’s language off the page and into action
• reflect on how the workshop may support professional classroom practice and approaches to Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs).

Get your World Turning With woodturner Willie Creighton

Oide Creativity and Oide Technology Subjects, in collaboration with woodturner Willie Creighton, present a one-day elective workshop, open to post-primary teachers from all subject disciplines.

This practical workshop offers participants an opportunity to:

• experience exciting ways to create wood turned artefacts
• discover the natural properties and aesthetics of wood through the craft
• develop practical and creative approaches that may be used in classroom practice.

Page Turners

Oide Creativity, in collaboration with spoken word poet Erin Fornoff, author Sam Blake/Vanessa Fox O’ Loughlin and author Dave Rudden, presents a one-day series of workshops and a panel discussion, open to teachers from all subject disciplines.

These three writing workshops offer participants an opportunity to:

• collaborate, share ideas, learn and reflect in a safe, supportive environment
• learn practical, creative teaching methods
• discuss writing tips, writing groups, and author visits.

Spaces are limited for each workshop. A waiting list will apply.

For more information on workshops, dates and to book your place, please visit: https://www.creativity.oide.ie

!!!! 2023 National Portal Day – Programme Announced

Unveiling the 2023 National Arts in Education Portal Day Programme.

Ticket Booking Now Open!

We’re excited to be back with our 2023 conference taking place at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick 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 Programme will see a mix of presentations, smaller discussion-led sessions and creative workshops each addressing the special focus of ‘Seldom Heard Voices’ reflecting diversity and inclusion across school communities.

As previously announced The Portal Team is delighted to welcome guest speaker, artist/researcher Dr. Jill Goodwin, highly respected for her practice working with children labelled as having profound and multiple learning disabilities, who will deliver the conference keynote address.

View the 2023 Programme HERE

How to Book Tickets

Tickets for the 2023 National Arts in Education Portal Day are free but pre-booking is essential as capacity is limited. 

For further enquiries please contact events@artsineducation.ie.

Book Tickets HERE

!!!! Get Ready for the 2023 National Arts in Education Portal Day!

Ticket Booking Opens on 12th October!

Ticket booking for the Arts in Education 2023 National Portal Day will open on 12th October.

This year’s conference is taking place at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick 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 Programme will see a mix of presentations, smaller discussion-led sessions and creative workshops each addressing the special focus of ‘Seldom Heard Voices’ reflecting diversity and inclusion across school communities.

As previously announced The Portal Team is delighted to welcome guest speaker, artist/researcher Dr Jill Goodwin, who will deliver the conference keynote address. Using personal examples from her experience in schools, her research and her art practice, Jill will consider the spaces – both physical and psychological – we provide and inhabit. Can we make space to dream, to listen, to be?

Sneak Peek at the 2023 National Arts in Education Portal Day Programme

Presentation & Discussion: Seen and Heard – Refracting responses of children to a school-based theatre workshop and arising implications for the Arts and Education sectors

Lecturer in Drama Education Dr Tríona Stokes and Creative Producer/Curator Hannah Mullan will reflect on the findings from an engaged research project featuring a consultation with key stakeholders, including children, about the extent to which they felt seen and heard in a pre-production school-based theatre workshop by Monkeyshine. They will invite audience consideration and discussion for artists, teachers and teacher-artist collaboration and partnership.

Creative Workshop: Reflective Data Visualisation – Using art-based reflections to encourage participants to promote an individual as well as a collective understanding of social injustices.

Visual Art Education lecturer Anne Marie Morrin from Mary Immaculate College will present an original methodology called  ‘The Data Reflective Wall’. The focus of this workshop is (in)equality and will place the participants’ own understanding of inequality and social justice at the forefront of the learning experience, building a sense of empathy and collective responsibility into a teaching and learning experience.

Ticket bookings open at 12 noon, Thursday 12th October 2023. Tickets are free but pre booking is essential as capacity is limited.

For further enquiries please contact events@artsineducation.ie.

!!!! Dr. Jill Goodwin Announced As Keynote Speaker for 2023 National Arts In Education Portal Day

This year the 2023 National Arts in Education Portal Day is taking place at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick on Saturday, 11 November 2023 in partnership with the Department of Arts Education & Physical Education.

The Portal Team is delighted to welcome guest speaker, artist/researcher Dr. Jill Goodwin, highly respected for her practice working with children labelled as having profound and multiple learning disabilities, who will deliver the conference keynote address.

Dr Jill Goodwin

Dr Jill Goodwin is a UK-based artist/researcher with a background in education. Her experience working with children labelled as having ‘profound and multiple learning disabilities’ has led her to seek and explore ways of sharing meaning without words, and she sees the arts as key to this process. Jill has recently worked as a consultant, mentor and trainer with arts and educational organisations, as well as with individual artists. She was Visiting Research Fellow with the ‘Centre for Research in Inclusion’ at the University of Southampton from 2020 – 2023, and Researcher-in-Residence with Oily Cart, a London-based sensory theatre company, from 2020 – 2022. Jill’s own art work privileges the sensory over the intellectual, making it innately inclusive.

The full line-up of the national day will be announced soon when ticket bookings will open online. This year’s event will again focus on ‘Seldom Heard Voices’ and will see a return to the usual mix of presentations, smaller discussion-led presentations and creative workshops addressing this theme.

These events bring together members of the arts in education community from all across Ireland, to share, learn, talk, network, get inspired, and continue interrogating best practice in the field.

For further enquiries please contact events@artsineducation.ie.

!!!! 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

!!!! Baboró Share First Look at their 27th Annual Festival Programme

Baboró International Arts Festival

Date: Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd October 2023

Deadline for Schools Application: Friday 8th September 

Baboró share a first look at the highlights of their upcoming 27th annual festival.

You’ll find an enchanting new show from beloved Irish companies Fidget Feet and Ceol Connected alongside world-class theatre for older children by renowned Australian company Slingsby. Also from Australia, an engaging visual art exhibition will invite Galway families to create and view their own photographic portraits in Galway Arts Centre.

“As we finalise plans for Baboró 2023, I am delighted to unveil three stunning festival highlights featuring aerial dance, theatre, live music and portrait photography – two of which come from as far away as Australia! The full programme of work from Belgium, England, Spain, The Netherlands, Australia and Ireland will be revealed in a few weeks,” said Aislinn Ó hEocha, Executive Artistic Director.

The full programme will include visual arts, music, dance, theatre, literature, creative workshops and adult events, as well as many more performances for all ages. The programme will be announced on Tuesday 5 September.

Schools

All schools and group bookings via the Online Booking Request form, available below from Monday 21 August. https://www.baboro.ie/schools/schools

Contact the Schools Box Office on schools@baboro.ie or 091 532 985.

See more on the festival here : https://www.baboro.ie/news-events/2023-sneak-peek

!!!! Applications Open for Art and Wellbeing Course for Teachers at MTU

MTU Crawford College of Art and Design

Deadline: Open for the summer.

The Certificate in Arts and Wellbeing (Level 9, 20 credits) offers an introduction to key concepts in models of Wellbeing, with a focus on the arts. The course gives participants opportunities to explore arts and wellbeing activities in a personal and group dimension, supported by a reflective process.

This course will benefit teachers or artists looking to broaden the scope of their practice. The aim of the course is to equip participants with practical approaches to Arts and Wellbeing, which can be applied in a range of contexts.

Through a series of experiential workshops, participants will be offered the opportunity to explore practical ways of developing Arts based Wellbeing programmes. Through a series of lectures and guest speakers, participants will critically engage with a range of concepts and theories related to Arts in Health and Wellbeing.

The course duration is one academic year, part-time, one day twice a month in person, one evening online every second week. The fee for the course is €1700.

For enquiries, contact: Avril O’Brien, Department of Arts in Health and Education. Email: avril.obrien@mtu.ie

Apply here: https://www.mtu.ie/courses/craarwe9/

!!!! Barboró Arts Festival launch their Five Year Strategic Plan

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children

!!!! Summer CPD for Teachers: A Visual Arts Approach in the Classroom with The Ark

The Ark

Date: 14th – 18th August 2023

This is a five-day Department of Education EPV-approved summer course for teachers.

Suitable for all levels of experience.

Book your tickets here: https://ark.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows

!!!! Minister Catherine Martin launches Cruinniú na nÓg 2023

Creative Ireland Programme

Date: 10th June 2023

On the 11th May at Mud Island Community Garden, Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, announced details of Cruinniú na nÓg 2023, a day of free creative activity for young people.

This year Cruinniú na nÓg will be on 10th June 2023 and will feature more than 500 free creative activities for children and young people throughout the country. Cruinniú na nÓg 2023 is a collaboration between, the Creative Ireland Programme, local authorities and RTÉ and is the only event of its kind in the world.

Announcing Cruinniú na nÓg 2023, Minister Martin said:

“Every year Cruinniú na nÓg becomes more firmly embedded into the lives of young people all over Ireland. There’s a huge programme of free creative activities for 10th June that will really stretch the imaginative muscles of all young people. Cruinniú na nÓg 2023 is a wonderful opportunity for the young people of Ireland to show off a little, try a new creative activity, make new friends and connect with their communities. Every event is free.”

The Creative Ireland Programme and its strategic partners have developed a number of creative projects, all planned to go live on Saturday 10^th June 2023. These include:

Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network (ISACS) will host open days for young people who want to try their hand at circus skills and street spectacle at their dedicated venues in Cloughjordan, Cork, Dublin and Galway. For those that can’t be there on the day, there will be a full range of online tutorials available.

Rhyme Island – This year Creative Ireland is teaming up with The Kabin Studio to get every young person in Ireland rapping. In preparation the Rhyme Island team have been travelling the length and breadth of the country holding a series of online and in-person workshops which will culminate in a massive day of rap at 17th Century Elizabeth Fort in Cork.

This is Art 2023 – Creative Ireland and RTÉ’s wonderful art competition for young people has returned, and the winning entries will be announced on 10^th June 2023 along with a national on-line digital gallery of all entries.

TG4 with support from the Gaeltacht division of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media will support ‘Our World’/ ‘Mo Dhomhan’ several Cruinniú na nÓg projects groups which will include sand art projects.

Cruinniú na nÓg 2023 Ambassadors

This year, Creative Ireland have asked five wonderful young people to represent Cruinniú na nOg 2023 to inspire others with their creative energy and skills.

Caterina Chiu Paone (8) Last year Caterina triumphed in This is Art with her cat collage. Not only does Caterina make art but she loves Irish dancing, playing the guitar, writing and singing her own songs.

Sibéal de Spáinn (8) loves swimming, making art and recording radio shows. She made her first radio show in 2022 on Raidió Rí-Rá. Making art makes her feel great and that she is helping the world.

Jamie (the King) Forde (17) has been rapping at Knocknaheeny’s The Kabin in Cork since he was 10. With his friend MC Tiny (Darren Stewart) Jamie recorded ‘ Yeah Boy’ which they have performed in all over Cork, at Dublin Castle and on The Late, Late Toy Show.

Jodie Byrne (14) is a member of the Dublin Circus Club which she joined in 2022. In a relatively short period of time she was walking on stilts in the St Patrick’s Day parade. For Cruinniú na nÓg this year she will be at the Dublin Circus Club learning to spin plates.

Archie Evans (15) has been involved with the Dublin Circus Club for over a year and he loves it! Once a week he joins his friends in the club to learn everything from stilt walking to trapeze to juggling. Through circus he has met other circus teens from all over the country.

For full events listings and further information go to: https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/

!!!! 2023 Creative Schools Initiative open for applications

Arts Council of Ireland

Application Deadline: Thursday 15 June 2023 at 5.30pm

Maximum Award: with €4,000

Applications are now open for the Creative Schools Initiative! All Department of Education-recognised primary and post-primary schools and Youthreach centres that have not already participated in a previous round of Creative Schools are eligible to apply.

Creative Schools supports primary and post-primary schools and Youthreach centres across Ireland to put arts and creativity at the heart of children’s and young people’s lives.

It supports schools/centres to provide opportunities for children and young people to build their artistic and creative skills, and to develop additional ways of working that reinforce the impact of creativity on their learning and wellbeing.

Schools and Youthreach centres that join the programme take part in a two-year guided journey to develop a Creative Schools Plan unique to their own school, and to put it into action.  Children and young people’s involvement in planning, decision-making and reflection is central to the journey.

Participating schools/centres will be provided with a package of supports that includes working with a Creative Associate, training and networking to support them to create their Creative School Plan, as well as seed funding to begin to implement their Plan. Successful schools will receive €4,000 to implement their plans over the school years 2023–24 and 2024–25.

Application guidelines 2023

The application guidelines are available  here.  All applications to the Arts Council are made through the Arts Council’s online services system. To access the application form and make an application, please set up an organisation account for your school or Youthreach centre on the Arts Council’s online services system  here.

Information clinics

Please join one of our online information clinics to find out more.

• Monday 15 May 2023 at 16.00-17.00. Book tickets here.
• Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 16.00-17.00. Book tickets here.

!!!! Get ready for Creative Schools Week 2023!

Creative Schools

Date: 8th-12th May

Creative Schools have invited every school in Ireland (primary, post-primary, special education schools and Youthreach centres) to celebrate the arts and creativity from 8 – 12 May, 2023. The theme this year “Creativity Lives Here” encourages school communities to pause and reflect on where creativity is evident in their lives, in every class, in every school and in the experience of every student. The week is a time to focus on celebrating this creativity, perhaps adding to the experiences of students in the form of events or workshops and providing a platform to show how creative each school can be.

If your school is already in the Creative Schools initiative, this week is a great time to celebrate your journey so far!

Previous years’ Celebrations included Online Celebrations highlighting work from a selection of Creative Schools and Creative Clusters initiatives since 2018, as well as workshops, interviews and features across a wide range of different artists and arts and cultural organisations. They invite you to watch these videos with your students to learn about school communities across the initiative as well as their creative approaches to learning and artistic responses to Covid 19. Schools highlighted are a representation of the over 460 schools who had participated in the Creative Schools initiative since 2018.

Watch a video on Creative Schools Week 2021 Online Celebration: Episode 1 here: Creative Schools Week 2021 Online Celebration: Episode 1 – Primary

For FAQ’s about Creative Schools Weeks visit: https://www.artscouncil.ie/creative-schools/creative-schools-week-2023-faq/#faq1

!!!! Join The Erasmus+ Online eTwinning Schools Conference

Erasmus+

The Online eTwinning Schools Conference

Date: 24th-26th May 2023.

The Online eTwinning Schools Conference will take place from 24 to 26 May 2023. The first day of the conference (Wednesday 24 May) will be live streamed and open for anyone to join and engage with. No registration is needed.

The overall goal of the conference is to identify, highlight, share, promote, disseminate and further establish the practices of eTwinning Schools that focus on creativity and well-being.

During that first day, Arianna Sala of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) will present the keynote presentation “LifeComp: A European competence framework for better lives in our uncertain world”.  LifeComp is the European framework for the personal, social and learning to learn key competence.

Days 2 and 3 will be closed only to eTwinning registered participants.

For more information and to join the public livestream, visit here: https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/insights/news/get-ready-european-online-conference-etwinning-schools-igniting-creativity-nurturing 

!!!! 2023 Portal Spring Regional Day – Programme Announced

Arts in Education Portal 

Date: Saturday, 6th May 2023

The Portal Team is delighted to announce the full programme for the Arts in Education Portal Spring Regional Day which takes place on Saturday 6th May in Cork City at MTU Crawford College of Art & Design in partnership with the Department of Arts in Health & Education and Department of Fine Art & Applied Art. We are also delighted to present, in collaboration with Sample-Studios in Cork, an exhibition of work from artists in the field of arts in education based in the South-West region. An exhibition viewing will be held at the Lord Mayor’s Pavilion to wrap up the day’s programme from 3:30pm; delegates are welcome to attend then or to visit the exhibition which will run until 27th May.

We invite teachers, artists, arts managers and anyone with an interest in arts in education in Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary to join us for these free events.

The programme for the day includes a series of presentations in the morning; artist Jane Hayes will discuss the challenges and opportunities that go with balancing a studio practice with collaborative arts projects, and her mission to make both child-centred. Following this discussion, composer Fiona Linnane will explore the activities which she has found to be the most effective in engaging students during her residencies through presentation, discussion and creative exercises.  

In the afternoon join West Cork based visual artist artist Julie O’Hea for a creative workshop in ink making and hapa-zome pigment printing, this session promises to be messy, fun and informative.

How to Book

Tickets for the 2023 Portal Spring Regional Day are free but pre booking is essential as capacity is limited.

Book your place at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/arts-in-education-portal-regional-day-south-west-tickets-600696769207

Online Viewing:

For those who can’t join us in person on the day, the morning talks and presentations will be available to watch back online following the conference. Registration for viewing is available through the link here: https://forms.gle/MF4NLWcRWq8t15nk8.

Please note: ISL Interpretation will be available at the venue and on the video recordings.

Schedule

10:00am — Registration & coffee at MTU CCAD, Sharman Crawford Street

10.15am — Welcome Address

10:30am — The Portal: a brief introduction by Edel Doherty, Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership (Portal Content Managers) 

10:45am — Presentation ‘The Voice of the Child in Creative Decision-Making – The Early Years Context’ with Jane Hayes. Join early years artist Jane Hayes for an informal discussion about her socially engaged visual arts practice and her work with and for very young children.

11:30am — Presentation ‘Tutti – Exploring pathways to inclusivity for music composition in the classroom’ with Fiona Linnane. Composer Fiona Linnane will share her learnings, as an artist delivering schools residencies exploring music and sound, around what she has found to be the most inclusive approaches to music composition in the classroom.

12:15pm — Lunch & networking

1:15pm — Walk to MTU CCAD, Grand Parade

1:30pm – 3:00pm — Creative Workshop ‘Pigments from Nature’ with artist Julie O’Hea at MTU CCAD, Grand Parade. Visual artist Julie O’Hea will give a demonstration in ink making and hapa-zome pigment printing in a messy, fun and informative creative session.

– – – – – – – – – 

3:30pm — Exhibition viewing and reception at Lord Mayor’s Pavilion

5:00pm — wrap up

Collaborative Arts in Education exhibition with Sample-Studios at the Lord Mayor’s Pavilion

27th April – 27th May

Exhibition opening hours:

Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm

For further information on the Regional Day email events@artsineducation.ie.

!!!! 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

!!!! Poetry Day Ireland 2023 Events Programme Announced

Poetry Ireland – Day of Poetry 2023

Date: Thursday 27th April

Submission Deadline: 20th April 

Poetry Ireland is celebrating poetry in schools by offering this online collection of inspiring activities and ideas for teachers and children. Packed with poems and fun activities, this vibrant online resource encourages teachers, children and families nationwide to read, write, listen to, illustrate, perform, share – and above all enjoy
poetry.

https://www.poetryireland.ie/content/files/Poetry_Day_Resource-2023.pdf

The programme of events is now live on their website. This all-island celebration of poetry takes place on Thursday 27 April and the theme is ‘Message in a Bottle’.

They have more than 70 exciting events included in the programme encompassing Bangor, Belfast, Cork, Donegal, Drogheda, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mayo, New York, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, so far!

Submissions are still being taken up to Thursday 20th April. Register your Poetry event here: https://www.poetryireland.ie/poetry-day/join-in/registration

You can see the entire programme here https://www.poetryireland.ie/poetry-day/whats-on

!!!! 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:

http://www.leitrimcoco.ie/eng/community-culture/arts/grants-opportunities/social-practice-toolkit-children-youth/social-practice-toolkit-children-youth.html

!!!! Portal Spring Regional Day 2023: Collaborative Arts in Education exhibition with Sample-Studios

Arts in Education Portal

Date: 27th April  – 27 May

As part of this year’s Arts in Education Portal Spring Regional Day, we are delighted to be partnering with Sample-Studios in Cork city for a collaborative exhibition which will run for the month of May in their gallery at the Lord Mayor’s Pavillion. The exhibition will showcase work from artists in the field of arts and creativity in education based in the South-West region.

The exhibition will be launched as part of the 2023 Spring Regional Day which will take place on Saturday 6th May at MTU Crawford College of Art & Design in partnership with the Department of Arts in Health & Education, showcasing arts in education projects and creative practice in the South-West.

In November 2021, Sample-Studios Artistic Director, Aoibhie McCarthy and member and lead Education Programme tutor Kate McElroy presented to the National Arts in Education Portal Annual Conference about our Cork Creative Careers Programme and Cork Young Curators and Critics Programme. Through this connection as speakers, Sample-Studios and the Arts in Education Portal began a dialogue about the need to offer profile to arts educational practitioners in Munster, to stimulate knowledge sharing amongst peers and collaborations, as well as awareness amongst wider audiences about the important role of arts education and arts educators in the community.

Collaborating with Sample-Studios on an exhibition to complement the programme will present both this audience and a wider public audience with an opportunity to delve deeper into the creative practice shared on the day adding another layer of engagement. The exhibition is co-curated by the Arts in Education Portal team with Sample-Studios and invites keynote speakers and presenters at the Portal Regional Day to exhibit documentation and artwork from best practice examples of their own work. An opening reception for delegates will be held as part of the Regional Day programme.

Stay tuned for the full Spring Regional Day programme and booking details which will be announced in the coming weeks. Pre booking will be essential for attendance.

!!!! 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.

!!!! Date Announced for the Arts in Education Portal Spring Regional Day 2023

Arts in Education Portal Events

Date: 6 May 2023

The Portal Team is delighted to invite teachers, artists and anyone with an interest in arts and creativity in education to save the date and join us for the 2023 Portal Spring Regional Day. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, 6th May at MTU Crawford College of Art & Design in partnership with the Department of Arts in Health & Education, showcasing arts in education projects and creative practice in the South-West.

We invite regional audiences to connect with us during a series of events, where 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 welcome teachers, artists, arts managers and anyone with an interest in arts in education to join us for this free event.

For those who can’t join us in person on the day we will be recording the main talks and presentations which be available to watch back online following the event.

Stay tuned for the full schedule and booking details which will be announced in the coming weeks. Pre-booking will be essential.