Friday, March 01, 2013

Limerick Schools Programme gets to the ‘Art’ of the Matter

The Limerick County Arts Office today announced details of its 17th annual Artist in School Residency Programme, which will see hundreds of Limerick primary school students participate in art workshops during the next few months.

Councillor Jerome Scanlan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council joined participating artists and students from some of the eight participating primary schools for the official launch of the scheme at Limerick County Hall.

The scheme is run locally by the Arts Office, with support from the Arts Council and Limerick Council, and has involved 120 Limerick schools since its inception in 1997. 

The participating schools are located throughout Limerick and include Glengurt N.S. (Tournafulla), Scoil Íosacáin (Hospital), Caherline N.S. (Caherconlish), Kilteely N.S. (Kilteely), Garrydoolis N.S. (Pallasgreen), Bohermore N.S. (Ballysimon), Scoil Mocheallog (Kilmallock) and Cloverfield National School (Dromkeen).

The seven local artists who will individually spend 9 weeks with the schools are Nyle Wolfe, Rose Hanley, Fiona Linnane, Fiona Quinn, Finbar O’Hara, Michelle Pando-Kelly and Micheal Rowsome. Over the course of the programme students will explore  drama, sculpture, music, and art work that includes ceramics, painting, felting and craft work.

Addressing students, teachers and artists in County Hall today, Councillor Scanlan said: “I am sure that these residencies will not only benefit the children but also will also give ideas to the teachers and bring a new energy into the normal school day. I know from my own time at school and even from my experience as an adult, that is often what one learns informally has a big impact on one’s life.  Any programme or project that helps to build and stretch children’s imagination and creativity is worthwhile in helping to build children’s esteem, confidence and helps to make a more rounded individual.”

Commenting on the Programme, Brid Quinn of the Limerick County Arts Office explained: “There will be a variety of art activity happening in the schools from exploring drama, sculpture, music, and art work that includes ceramics, painting, felting and craft work. Two schools also will be working with a professional opera singer.”

For more details on the Artist in School Residency Programme contact the Limerick County Arts Office on 061-496300.