Mayo County Council’s EXCEL 08 is a developmental programme of arts events for teenagers and young adults across the county. The programme focuses on supporting and developing the skills of young people with specific arts interests, while also providing opportunities for young Mayo people to get involved in quality arts events during the month of November, through a number of open workshops.
Áras Inis Gluire in Belmullet will be alive with creative energy on Saturday November 22 with two sets of exciting workshop opportunities for young people. Hip-hop workshops will run from 11am-1pm and again from 2pm to 4pm. Animation workshops will run at the same times, 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. Jen Fleenor will work with young people interested in hip-hop. Jen, originally from Ohio, received a BFA Magna Cum Laude in dance performance and choreography from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She then moved to New York City and performed and toured regularly with Steeledance, Michael Foley Dance, and John Evans among others. Since moving to Ireland in 2001, Jen has performed with Daghdha Dance Company, Shakram Music and Dance Company, Fluxusdance, Catapult Dance Company and Opera Ireland as well as doing film and multi-media work with SmartLab Europe. The past few years Jen has worked mainly with Coisceim Dance Theatre, performing in Hanging on by a Thread, Out of Harm’s Way, and most recently, Knots. In addition to performance, Jen has taught contemporary dance, hip-hop fusion, dance in a community context, and movement for theatre extensively throughout the US, France, Ireland and Japan.
Galway Film Centre will work with young people on their extremely popular Animation Lunchbox workshops. Over the past few years the film centre have run many animation workshops with teenagers to great success. This is an exciting way for participants to explore creative story-telling and visual imagery using the Animation Lunchbox. The tutor will show the participants how to create their own images and characters and transform their drawings into a short animated film. Through the medium of sand drawing and claymation students will see their work come to life before their eyes. All workshops are free. These events are open to anybody between the ages of 13 and 19 and are really popular. It is hoped this year’s programme will offer challenging opportunities and fun in equal measure. The number of participants in each workshop is limited and to get involved you need to call the arts office and book your place to avoid disappointment. The number to call for more information and bookings is 094 902 4444 ext 7560 or 7558, or alternatively you can email: [email protected].
