Following the incredible success of last year’s inaugural GRETB Celebration of the Arts, the competition is returning next month. Open to all schools under the patronage of Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB ), the event showcases talent across more than eleven artistic disciplines. This year, it expands even further with the introduction of a modern dance category and the participation of GRETB’s two Community National Schools.
This celebration and competition, in everything from fine art to rap music, is one of the biggest and most ambitious school festivals and competitions held by any educational patronage in the country.
Chief Executive of GRETB, David Leahy believes that it is only fitting such a celebration of artistic endeavour for their students should begin in the west.
"GRETB has a very long and proud tradition of celebrating and acknowledging the arts and creativity. What is special about this celebration is that it is reflective of all the different areas our learners come from. We have schools on the Aran islands, Connemara, Galway city and the counties of Galway and Roscommon," he said.
"Their interests range from sean nós singing, traditional music to that of modern dance and rock music. The competition is made even more special by means of entries in both Irish and English, which provides a platform for our students to be able to truly express themselves and for their authentic voice to be heard,"added Mr Leahy.
Director of Schools, Sinead Farragher shares in David's assertion that the arts allow for true expression to flow and that this approach to learning is in tandem with the spirit of the Education Act, which encourages all school bodies to work at developing the whole child along with the academic.
"Learning can occur in many ways," asserts Ms Farragher, "and the arts can be a constructive method for a student to become a critical thinker, a voice to be heard and most importantly an active citizen."
The use of the arts to develop the whole child and their ability to express themselves is paramount to the work of GRETB. This competition which saw over 300 entries last year, from its 21 schools, is testament to the belief that there is always a need and desire for children to be creative, especially for those students who have no other outlet to let their talents shine.
"This is a fantastic competition," according to Moggie Maher, Chairperson of the GRETB Board. 'To see students produce work at such a high level, whether its painting, poetry or music, and off their own bat, is something I'm very proud of as Chairperson of the Board, as it truly reflects the ethos of what we stand for."
The competition culminates with an Art and Photography exhibition of all entries, followed by a performance of successful acts during GRETB Ethos Week in March, which will be hosted this year by Galway Community College.
