A nationwide art campaign got underway across the island of Ireland over the weekend with everything from police stations to statues “craftbombed” to mark the start of Voluntary Arts Week, an annual celebration of the amateur arts and crafts.
The campaign in the Republic of Ireland and United Kingdom forms part of Voluntary Arts Week, which continues until Sunday 19 May.
Hundreds of ‘craftbombs’ appeared in public areas across the island with locations ranging from a PSNI building in Derry to Crosshaven in Cork and a historic Belfast flax mill given a colourful and creative makeover.
“Voluntary Arts Week provides an opportunity for amateur arts and crafts groups across the UK and the Republic of Ireland to celebrate their activity and encourage others to join in,” explained Kevin Murphy, Chief Officer of Voluntary Arts Ireland.
He continued: “Voluntary Arts Week celebrates all that is great about the amateur arts and I can think of no better way to spread that message than the CraftBomb, which brings the amateur arts and crafts out into the public domain and brings a smile to the face of all those that see it. Over the weekend we have seen a monumental effort by our top secret CraftBomb agents who have been working tirelessly to make this happen.”
The CraftBomb of the PSNI building in Derry was orchestrated by pupils from Oakgrove Primary School, The Fountain Primary School and members of Foyle Downsyndrome Trust who got together to help make colourful bunting and pompoms to be hung from the station’s walls. It was the first time in the station’s history that arts and crafts have been displayed on the building.
PSNI City Centre Neighbourhood Officer Constable Shona Holmes commented: "Police in Foyle are delighted to take part in this wonderful and colourful event and show our support for what is turning out to be a varied and interesting year of culture. We would like to say thank you to the school children who took the time to create the decorations. I am sure everyone will enjoy the station's new look!"
The Police Station was just one of several high profile locations targeted across the nation. Conway Mill in Belfast had a colourful makeover with hundreds of crocheted butterflies, flowers and handcrafted pieces now covering the building. Meanwhile, Cork experienced a mice infestation as crocheted critters appeared popped up in some unusual places and several roundabouts were covered in bunting.
Voluntary Arts Ireland is encouraging members of the public to report any ‘craftbombs’ they encounter by taking a picture and sharing it on the Voluntary Arts Week Facebook page - www.facebook.com/voluntaryartsweek or by tagging the images with #CraftBomb or #VoluntaryArtsWeek on Twitter or Instagram.
To find out what events are happening near you log on to the Voluntary Arts Week website at www.voluntaryartsweek.org.
The campaign in the Republic of Ireland and United Kingdom forms part of Voluntary Arts Week, which continues until Sunday 19 May.
Hundreds of ‘craftbombs’ appeared in public areas across the island with locations ranging from a PSNI building in Derry to Crosshaven in Cork and a historic Belfast flax mill given a colourful and creative makeover.
“Voluntary Arts Week provides an opportunity for amateur arts and crafts groups across the UK and the Republic of Ireland to celebrate their activity and encourage others to join in,” explained Kevin Murphy, Chief Officer of Voluntary Arts Ireland.
He continued: “Voluntary Arts Week celebrates all that is great about the amateur arts and I can think of no better way to spread that message than the CraftBomb, which brings the amateur arts and crafts out into the public domain and brings a smile to the face of all those that see it. Over the weekend we have seen a monumental effort by our top secret CraftBomb agents who have been working tirelessly to make this happen.”
The CraftBomb of the PSNI building in Derry was orchestrated by pupils from Oakgrove Primary School, The Fountain Primary School and members of Foyle Downsyndrome Trust who got together to help make colourful bunting and pompoms to be hung from the station’s walls. It was the first time in the station’s history that arts and crafts have been displayed on the building.
PSNI City Centre Neighbourhood Officer Constable Shona Holmes commented: "Police in Foyle are delighted to take part in this wonderful and colourful event and show our support for what is turning out to be a varied and interesting year of culture. We would like to say thank you to the school children who took the time to create the decorations. I am sure everyone will enjoy the station's new look!"
The Police Station was just one of several high profile locations targeted across the nation. Conway Mill in Belfast had a colourful makeover with hundreds of crocheted butterflies, flowers and handcrafted pieces now covering the building. Meanwhile, Cork experienced a mice infestation as crocheted critters appeared popped up in some unusual places and several roundabouts were covered in bunting.
Voluntary Arts Ireland is encouraging members of the public to report any ‘craftbombs’ they encounter by taking a picture and sharing it on the Voluntary Arts Week Facebook page - www.facebook.com/voluntaryartsweek or by tagging the images with #CraftBomb or #VoluntaryArtsWeek on Twitter or Instagram.
To find out what events are happening near you log on to the Voluntary Arts Week website at www.voluntaryartsweek.org.
