Community Arts Archive

Community Arts Projects 2006

Ceile With the Elderly

When: Monday 9th October – 20th November at 2pm
Where: Beauparc hall
Who: 16 members of Beauparc Active Retirement and 8 members of Slane Active Retirement
What: Ceile/set dancing. On the last day Paddy Reilly, Brenny Weldon & Thomas Darby will play live to accompany the dancing.

Art with Navan Active Retirement Group

When: Tuesday 17th October – 5th December
Where: St. Mary’s Hall, Navan
Who: 12 members of Navan Active Retirement
What: Visual arts
Facilitator: Claire Meaney
Aim: To engage the group in a high quality visual art project using accessible materials from around the home with a view to creating self-portraits.
Objectives:

• To engage the group in using accessible materials found around the house.                                
• To ignite imagination in the group.
• For the group to enjoy themselves while at the same time taking part in a learning process.
• To create an environment through the workshops where discussions can be generated about the progress of the project.
• To have an end or celebration to the project. Perhaps an exhibition of finished art works.
• To create sustainable appreciation of art within the group.
• To develop understanding of different art forms and mediums.

Foreign Film Festival

When: Tuesday 14th November – 23rd November
Where: Navan, Ashbourne, Trim, Oldcastle, Dunboyne libraries
Who: Open to the public, due to the movies selected audience will be made up mostly of Poles, Russians and Lithuanians.
What: Eastern European Film Festival.  8 screenings for films made in Eastern Europe shown in 5 libraries.                        

Meath County Council Arts Office
Is Delighted to host the following Workshops:

CHILDREN'S  EASTER  ART  WORKSHOPS
In Dunshaughlin Library

With Visual Artist Majella Clancy

Tuesday 3rd, Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th April
From 2pm until 4pm

CREATIVE  WRITING  WORKSHOPS
In Dunshaughlin Library

To celebrate Bealtaine 2007,
the national festival celebrating creativity in Older Age

Every Friday from 13th April until 25th May
From 2pm until 4pm.

For further information, and to sign up for these events, please contact  Meath County Council Arts Office on 01 8358014 or
Dunshaughlin Library on  01 8250504.

'LIT  LAB'

At first glance, Virginia in County Cavan might not be the most likely of places to listen to the future of Irish writing. When one digs further into the annals of history, however, one will find that it is the ideal place. After all, it is said that Dean Jonathan Swift penned his well-known novel Gullivers Travels whilst staying with his cleric friend Thomas Sheridan nearby at Quilca. 

It was with this literary backdrop that the participants of the Literary Lab or 'Lit Lab' presented their work. A celebration of contemporary poetry, readings of fiction, non-fiction and drama recitals took place at the Park Hotel, recently

The 'Lit Lab', initiated by Meath Arts Office, in association with Cavan Arts Office, was a series of workshops designed to mentor both new and experienced writers.

“Writing has the capacity to change peoples lives – whether it is the writer who is putting their soul on paper or the reader who takes a different perspective and renews their sense of wonder. I have listened to the work from the participants tonight and am thrilled to be here.” elaborated Mary Carty, Meath Arts Officer. “All participants have shared new visions of the world with us", she continued, "and I'm particularly honoured to be one of the first people to hear such fantastic work. I'm sure it won't be long until some of the literature makes its way to mainstream publishing.”

Mary Carty, Meath Arts Officer, came up with the idea. Carty approached Kenneth Redmond, Cavan Arts Officer who immediately became very excited about the idea. The two counties not only share a border but also share a common interest in growing and developing the talent and experience of writers, poets, scriptwriters and playwrights.

Both Arts Offices regularly get requests from writers of all levels, seeking advice and assistance. It is with great pleasure that Carty and Redmond provided a channel of development for writers.

The aim of the programme is to advance the professionalism of writers and help improve critical evaluation. Importantly, it aims to build the confidence of budding and experienced writers. It hopes to help writers to identify and fill in certain skill gaps that they may have. 

John McAllister, founder of the ABC writers group in Armagh and published author in his own right delivered the workshops within the programme. McAllister has spent many years mentoring emerging and published writers and brought his vast experience to the 'Lit Lab' with fervour.

“The Lit Lab is a ground-breaking new innovation by Mary Carty of the Meath County Arts Officer in conjunction with Kenneth Redmond, Cavan Arts Officer. At every workshop, I am thrilled to see how much the participants are achieving. It's exhilarating!", said John McAllister, tutor of the 'Lit Lab'.

The last word goes with Kenneth Redmond, Cavan Arts Officer who summarised just how everyone felt on the night. “The 'Lit Lab' has proved very popular with writers from Meath and Cavan. The enthusiasm and professionalism in the room has blown me away. This programme is a fantastic success. Long may the 'Lit Lab' continue.”

The 'Lit Lab' returns again in the Autumn. For details on how to participate, please contact the Arts Office on 8358014.

Ní móide gurb é Achadh an Iúir i gContae an Chabháin an áit is túisce a rachfá go gcloisfeá faoin méid atá i ndán don Scríbhneoireacht trí Bhéarla in Éirinn ach nuair a théann duine ag tochailt tuilleadh i stair na hÉireann, feicfear gur cuí an t-ionad é óir is ann a chum Johnathon Swift a shaothar iomráiteach Gulliver’s Travels agus é ar cuairt ag a chara, an Dr Thomas Sheridan a raibh cónaí air i gCuilceach in aice láimhe.

Is leis an gcúlra liteartha seo a chuir rannpháirtithe an Literary Lab (nó an ‘Lit Lab’ mar a thugtar air) an saothar atá idir chamáin acu ó cuireadh an ‘Lit Lab’ ar siúl san Aibreán seo caite i láthair an phobail in Óstán na Páirce in Achadh an Iúir an tseachtain seo caite. Sular scoir an ‘Lit Lab’ i gcomhair an tsamhraidh, rinne siad ceiliúradh ar an bhfilíocht chomhaimseartha, agus léigh siad sleachta as saothar ficsin agus neamhfhicsin agus as saothar drámaíochta freisin.

Is éard a bhí sa ‘Lit Lab’, sraith de cheardlanna a chuir Oifig Ealaíon na Mí, i gcomhar le hOifig Ealaíon an Chabháin, ar bun d’fhonn oiliúint a chur ar fáil do scríbhneoirí nua agus do scríbhneoirí seanbhunaithe.

“Writing has the capacity to change peoples’ lives – whether it is the writer who is putting their soul on paper or the reader who takes a different perspective and renews their sense of wonder. I have listened to the work from the participants tonight and am thrilled to be here,” adúirt Mary Carty, Oifigeach Ealaíon na Mí.

“All participants have shared new visions of the world with us and I'm particularly honoured to be one of the first people to hear such fantastic work. I'm sure it won't be long until some of the literature makes its way into mainstream publishing,” adúirt sí chomh maith.

Is í Mary Carty, Oifigeach Ealaíon na Mí, a smaoinigh ar an togra. Chuaigh sí i dteagmháil le Kenneth Redmond, Oifigeach Ealaíon an Chabháin, a bhí an-tógtha ón gcéad lá leis an smaoineamh. Dar ndóigh, ní hamháin go bhfuil an dá chontae buailte ar a chéile ach is suim leo araon tallann agus taithí lucht litríochta, idir scríbhneoirí, fhilí, dhrámadóirí agus scriptscríbhneoirí, a chothú agus a fhorbairt.

Faigheann an dá oifig litreacha go rialta ó scríbhneoirí (móra agus miona) ar thóir comhairle agus cúnaimh. Ba mhór an sásamh do Mhary agus do Khenneth go raibh siad in ann faill forbartha a chur ar fáil do na scríbhneoirí seo a chuaigh i dteagmháil leo.

Is é aidhm an togra an ghairmiúlacht a chur chun cinn i measc scríbhneoirí agus cúnamh a thabhairt le caighdeán na luachála criticiúla a fheabhsú. Díol tábhachta go bhféachtar le muinín agus misneach a thabhairt do scríbhneoirí a bhfuil gealladh fúthu agus dóibh siúd freisin atá i mbun pinn le fada. Féachtar le feabhas a chur ar an scríbhneoir, idir airm is oiliúint, agus bearnaí ar bith i scileanna an scríbhneora a líonadh má aimsítear a leithéid.

Is é John McAllister, a bhunaigh The ABC Writers’ Group in Ard Mhacha agus údar foilsithe ann féin, a thug na ceardlanna. Tá blianta fada caite ag John ag cur oiliúna ar scríbhneoirí óga agus orthu siúd ar cuireadh saothar leo i gcló. Roinn sé taithí na mblianta sin go fial fonnmhar ar rannpháirtithe an ‘Lit Lab’.

“The Lit Lab is a ground-breaking new innovation by Mary Carty of the Meath County Arts Officer in conjunction with Kenneth Redmond, Cavan Arts Officer. At every workshop, I am thrilled to see how much the participants are achieving. It's exhilarating!” adeir John McAllister, Teagascóir an ‘Lit Lab’.

Fágaimis an focal scoir ag Kenneth Redmond, Oifigeach Ealaíon an Chabháin, leis an gcur síos beacht barainneach seo ar bharúil na ndaoine a bhí i láthair oíche an cheiliúrtha: “The ‘Lit Lab’ has proved very popular with writers from Meath and Cavan. The enthusiasm and professionalism in the room has blown me away. This programme is a fantastic success. Long may the ‘Lit Lab’ continue.”

Cuirfear tús leis an ‘Lit Lab’ arís san Fhómhar.

Bealtaine 2007

Our Bealtaine Festival ran for the month of May. Bealtaine celebrates older age as a time of renewal, creativity and growth. It provides opportunities for people to meaningfully participate in the arts and invites anyone to celebrate the work of older artists. Throughout the festival, a number of activities were organised by the Arts Office including:

• Creative Writing
• Ballroom Dancing
• Visual Arts Projects
• Storytelling

The festival proved to be a huge success, with many older people from the area rediscovering creativity and showing that they were the kind of people who were prepared to ‘forever begin’, in the words of poet Brendan Kennelly.

Meath County Council acknowledges the valuable work undertaken by local arts groups in the community and their contribution to arts activities to date.
In recognition of this, Meath County Council will continue to support the efforts of local groups by means of the following;

• Continue to provide access to financial assistance to eligible groups/organisations through the Meath County Council Bi Annual Arts Grant Scheme.
• Support groups who may wish to work with professionals in areas of skills workshops and performance techniques.
• Support those groups or companies seeking to promote or utilise new works.
• Continue to provide an information and advice service through the Arts Office.
• Continue to assist local art groups through the identification of suitable exhibition spaces in the county.
• Continue to work with Irish language organisations and Gaeltacht areas in the County in the development and implementation of arts programmes through the Irish language.

Music Events for Autumn/Winter

'The Harp that Once'

The Harp that Once, performed by Glynis Casson and Cormac De Barra, is a beautiful collection of musical memoirs with song and harp.
Thursday 30th August at 8pm, The Venue Theatre, Ratoath.
Tickets: €10/€7 with concession.
Booking: 01 6895600

Dowdall/Feeley duo

William Dowdall and John Feeley are experienced musicians who play the flute and guitar, respectively. William Dowdall combines a busy career as a soloist, chamber musician, and teacher with his duties as Principal Flute with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. John Feeley graduated from Trinity College and went on to complete a masters degree at Queens College of the City University, New York.  The two will perform pieces from a variety of composers for this performance.
Thursday 13th September at 8pm, St Mary’s Church, Navan.
Tickets: €10/ €7 with concession.
Booking: 01 8358014

'Organics'

Organics are a three-piece jazz ensemble who have been playing together since 1997. This unique group possess a respect for tradition and a desire for musical exploration. Drawing on a wide range of influences from The Blues to the American song-book to a unique blend of soul and groove. This modern Hammond Organ trio continue to compose and perform an original mix of improvised music.
Thursday 18th October at 8pm, The Venue Theatre, Ratoath.
Tickets: €10/€7 with concession
Booking: 01 6895600

Irish Baroque Orchestra

The Irish Baroque Orchestra brings music from the Baroque period (1600-1750) of a high quality to a varied audience throughout Ireland. Works from the seventeenth century Italian tradition including music by Buonamente, Marini, Pachelbel, Uccellini and Piccinini are included in the performance, performed by some of the county's finest baroque musicians.
Thursday 8th November at 8pm, The Venue Theatre, Ratoath.
Tickets: €10/€7 with concession
Booking: 01 6895600

Children's Artsfest 2007

We have come to the end of our Children's Artsfest 2007, which ran for the month of June. It celebrated the tenth anniversary in the programming of children's events in Co. Meath. This occasion was marked with the very best of national and international events for children. Children from across Meath were treated to events such as the inspiring Giant Musical Garden, Korean drummers Dulsori, The Plumbers Guide to World Music, Blaiseadh Beag, Storytelling with Nuala Hayes, Kite Making with Majella Clancy, Claymation with Claire Meaney and the Darklight Film Festival, to name just a few events. The festival proved to be a huge success, with many children attending the events throughout the month of June.

An event of this scale could not have happened without the hard work and commitment of many people who share a vision and a passion for the arts. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners for their continued help and support throughout the Children's Artsfest 2007. Please read on for a more detailed look at some of the events, which ran through June as part of the Children's Artsfest.

Artzone Workshop Programme

Exploring the theme of music, young artists from 3rd class created colourful mixed media musical instruments inspired by the Giant musical Garden Exhibition in Solstice Arts Centre. Artzone took up one-day residencies in five Meath Schools during the festival; St. Columbanus, Ballivor, Scoil Mhuire Moylough, Oldcastle, Culmullen, Drumcree, St. Colmcille's, Skryne/Tara and Scoil Naomh Barra, Wilkinstown.      


      

Claymation with Claire Meaney

This short animation workshop, run by Claire Meaney, took place in selected libraries across Meath. Plasticine, digital media and lots of imagination were used to make various characters, which then came to life on the big screen. The workshops took place as part of our Youth Arts programme for he Children's Arts Festival in Ashbourne, Oldcastle, Kells and Dunshaughlin Libraries.

Clued In Music

Alan Keighrey brought his exciting music workshop to Ashbourne Youthreach for two days during June. These workshops were tailored programmes that champion music and its positive effects on young people. Social interaction and team building skills were improved and above all, the programme was enjoyable for teenagers. The workshops focused on DJ-ing, Hip-Hop, Rapping and Recording. The group then received their own c.d capturing all their creative talents.   

    Dulsori Korean Drummers

Dulsori, a vibrant traditional drumming ensemble from Korea, took to the stage in Solstice Arts Centre on June 14th for our children's Artsfest. Audiences were invited to join in their energetic warm-up at the beginning of the performance, which proved to be a fantastic insight into the unique heritage and spirited origins of traditional Korean culture and rhythm.          

The Painted Garden & The Italian Garden

This event joined Teatro di Piazza o d'Occasione, one of Italy's leading children's theatre companies, on their magical carpet for a mesmerising journey. The interactive experience combined sumptuous paintings , dazzling dance and the latest computer technology. It took children and adults alike on a unique exploration of another culture, far away to the lush and vivid world of the Painted Garden and the wondrous and harmonious world of the Italian Garden

Giant Musical Garden

This fantastic exhibition of musical inventions took place in Solstice Arts Centre. Each structure had been created by using everything from old bicycles to saucepans. Both children and adults alike were truly engaged with these exciting playful structures.

Kitemaking with Majella Clancy

This workshop took place in Mosney Reception Centre, led by Majella Clancy. Children, using a variety of materials, let their imaginations soar in this fun packed workshop. Firstly, children were shown previous examples of work from the workshop and then encouraged to come up with their own creations for their kites. The workshop took place on June 13th and 14th and was enjoyed by all attending.

Plumber's Guide to World Music

The Plumber's Guide to World Music, led by Gordon Douglas, is a hands-on, creative music education programme for schools. Children are shown how to make and play their own musical instruments from everyday materials and Wavin piping. Dublin born Douglas is a musician, music teacher and musical instrument maker, who brought this talent to Rathbeggan National School. The children of 4th and 5th class were delighted to take part in the event, and conducted a final performance on their instruments on the last day of their school term.

Storytelling with Nuala Hayes

Nuala trained as an actor with the Abbey theatre and was a member of the Abbey Company for five years. As an actor, she performed with Theatre Companies throughout Ireland and toured in the U.S.A, Canada and the UK. Her interest in storytelling began 15 years ago when she set up Two Chairs Company, with musician Ellen Cranitch, to explore stories and music in performance. Her radio series about grandparents and grandchildren was called You can't Shove your Granny off a Bus. During the Children's Artsfest, Nuala provided storytelling sessions in both Ashbourne and Navan libraries, to the delight of local children.