A new arts education programme that explores creative thinking has been launched by Tulca Festival of Visual Arts and Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture.
The programme, Create Dangerously, uses a blend of art and philosophy to inspire both students and teachers.
Three Galway schools Clontuskert NS, Ballinasloe, Cregmore NS, Cregmore, and Coláiste Iognáid, Galway, have been selected for this stage of the pilot programme.
Starting 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 they will share with their school community and post 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, which designed this project, will facilitate the sessions in school where students will experiment with creative expression, explore why creativity is important, and articulate what being creative means to them. Active mentoring and workshops will help 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 premiere in schools this week with participating classes kicking off their creative responses after the Easter holidays.
Artist Maeve Clancy says the project offers the unusual opportunity to see how a piece of her work is interpreted and presented to children in a school setting.
"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.”
Creativity is to the fore on this project and Jo Vahey of TULCA says the project will enhance the creative lives of young people.
"It is 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 says 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 this will have both in the school community, and indeed within the overall programme.”
More information on UnSelfing can be found on www.tulca.ie
