Three Galway schools have been chosen to take part in the pilot stage of a new arts education programme launched by TULCA and Galway 2020.
The programme, Create Dangerously, allows learners and teachers to explore creative thinking and creative making using a blend of art and philosophy.
Clontuskert NS in Ballinasloe, Cregmore NS in Cregmore and Coláiste Iognáid (The ‘Jes’), were selected for this stage of the pilot programme, and this week each classroom will receive a new art film commissioned by TULCA especially for the project.
They will respond to this work through structured dialogues, and art making activities to create their own own ‘creativity manifesto’ and an exhibition that will be shared with their school community and posted online.
Editions of these works will become permanent parts of the Create Dangerously programme which opens to schools nationally after this pilot.
TULCA education partner Curo, who designed this project, will facilitate sessions in school and provide CPD to the participating teachers.
Students will experiment with creative expression, explore why creativity is important and articulate what being creative means to them.
Active mentoring and CPD workshops will empower participating teachers to integrate elements of the project into their teaching practice.
New artworks, A March in March by Donal McConnon, I Got Power by Maeve Clancy and My Island by Emma Zukovic will premier in schools this week with participating classes kicking off their creative responses after the Easter holidays.
“This project offers the unusual opportunity to see how a piece of my work is interpreted and presented to children in a school setting,” said artist Maeve Clancy.
“Being able to talk with the teacher and members of Curo as they develop the learning is an absolute treat for an artist.
“The project is much more far reaching than I originally understood. I’m really delighted to be involved and flattered to be asked to contribute.”
Jo Vahey of TULCA said that they are thrilled to be piloting Create Dangerously, a project that will “enhance the creative lives of young people and one that will make a lasting impact on the schools, teachers and learners it connects with at a time when connection is more important than ever.”
Create Dangerously is presented as part of UnSelfing, a programme of visual art created by TULCA for the Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture year.
Marilyn Gaughan Reddan, Head of Programme added, “We are delighted to be back working in schools and Create Dangerously offers children and teachers a real opportunity for meaningful interactions and engagement with the Artist.
“The Tulca education programme is exceptional and we are really looking forward to the impact that this will have both in the school community and indeed within the overall programme.”
