Pictured are Peggy and Donnacha Mitchell-Hehir, Hugo and Lily Coll, and Radie and Sonny Forrestal. Image: Anna Groniecka
Have you ever wished you could play a musical instrument, write a story, design clothing or make a comic book? Cork County Council and Creative Ireland has announced a new arts programme for 2024 that aims to grant the creative wishes of Cork children and young people.
As part of Cruinniú na nÓg in 2023 a young person living in West Cork learned how to play the drums in a series of workshops. This had been their dream, and the opportunity to participate in the free workshops as part of our national day of creativity helped them to realise their ambitions. This inspired the team behind Cruinniú na nÓg in County Cork to develop a programme that helps more young people to see their wishes come true.
Applications will be accepted for ‘My Creative Wish’ from all schools in County Cork and eight winning wishes from young people up to age 17 will be granted. The winners will receive six creative workshops for themselves and their class, facilitated by professional artists.
The winners, along with their parents and teachers, will meet with Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn to learn how their wish will come true. Mayor O’Flynn said:
“I am looking forward to hearing about the creative wishes of our imaginative young people. When I was growing up, I had many creative ambitions and I would have loved an opportunity such as this. Whether it’s playing the ukelele, or learning to a new art form, the young people whose wishes are granted will have a fantastic and creative experience.”
The eight winning creative wishes will be showcased, with the support of the school, as part of the National Day of Creativity, Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, June 8th 2024. This may take the form of an exhibition, concert, or performance. 16 runner-up proposals will be selected to receive a free Creative Ireland funded workshop at their local Library.
Schools interested in participating in ‘My Creative Wish’ can request an application pack by emailing [email protected] by the 14th of November. The deadline for receipt of applications the 15th of December 2023