Monday 21st June 2024
Last Saturday 15th June, just under 2,000 children and young people from all over County Wicklow participated in our 12 townland hubs, including those from coastal areas to the mountains and rural villages, enjoying a day of free creative activity as part of Cruinniú na nÓg .
An initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme, it was developed and delivered by Wicklow County Council’s Arts Office in partnership with many local arts and community organisations. A wide range of art forms were represented with workshops themed around dance, movie making, costuming for film and television, music performances, composition, illustration, nature art, environmentally themed art and much more.
Highlights for the day included the performances by new communities as part of the Baltinglass Festival Programme in the Community Garden, with children from Ukraine performing in Flowers for Ukraine, children of various nationalities from Kippure Lodge performing, and children drumming from Slaney Court in the town of Baltinglass.
Also featured were the Irish Dancers from Gohery School of Irish Dancing and workshops from ten local professional artists on the day, who worked providing workshops to the hundreds of young people who took part.
In Rathdrum, children from third class in the three primary schools of St. Saviours National School, Rathdrum Boys National School and Our Lady’s Girls National School showcased their work ‘Beyond the Trees’ in a premiere performance of a climate themed work which they composed with Music Generation Wicklow and composer Tom Lane and visual artist Louise Shearer.
In Greystones at Tiglin Coolnagreina, children and young people of Ukraine worked with Rhyme Island to create their own unique rap and concert performance.
Several workshops took place across the county in Library Service branches; the Courthouse Arts Centre and Mermaid Arts Centre had paper play and the Beatles Hits for Kids, with stellar performances also by children and young people in Arklow, supported by Arklow Music and Arts.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Aoife Flynn Kennedy commented, “I am delighted the day was a resounding success. It highlights the creative potential and ambition of our children and young people when they are given the chance to participate.”
Speaking on the day of creativity, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman said, “I’d like to extend my thanks to all of the venues, community groups, artists and Council staff who made this day possible this year. We hope all those who participated in events across the county enjoyed themselves.”
Wicklow County Council extends its sincere thanks to all the amazing young people who took part, along with the families and communities who support them, as well as the venues, arts workers, artists and community groups who helped make this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg happen.