A series of arts workshops organised by Pernet CLG, a local organisation committed to promoting education, highlighted the value of integration and inclusion in the community.
The events included poetry, art, and mask making and were funded by the Creative Ireland Programme 2024 and the Galway City Council under the guidance of Adam Stoneman.
The workshops culminated in a highly successful festival of intercultural gathering which was held at the Galway Rowing Club recently. A booklet, which showcased the poetry created by the young people, and an exhibition of the masks, was launched at the Westside library.
The youth poetry was led by poet, Shaylee Kiefer and the art workshop by talented artist, Jean Mac Sorley. The workshops focused on intercultural awareness, achieved by the conscious inclusion of different nationalities in the class, as well as a focus on the teaching of inclusion and diversity.
In the adult mask making workshop, participants focused on symbolism to represent different aspects of their culture and identity as well as a means of sharing ideas. The emphasis was on connection, feeling valued, respected, and supported.
