Virtually There is a long-term virtual-artist-in-residence project run by Kids’ Own and part-funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The project explores the potential for creative engagement between artists working from their studio and children using video-conferencing technology. View the project journal here.
Virtually There is a continuation of the Space and Place project, which began in 2007, in which artist Ann Henderson worked with children from Ballydown Primary School in Co. Down both through real and remote communication. In 2009, the project was extended to an additional artist, Ann Donnelly, and another school, Donaghey Primary School in Dungannon.
Over the course of the school year, the artists worked with the children to creatively explore a range of subjects and ideas that link in with the revised curriculum. The technology provides a channel for communication but is also explored as a creative tool in and of itself.
At the beginning of 2012 a new group of artists were selected to take part in the next round of Virtually There. A total of six artists and schools are working on the project in Northern Ireland, and we are delighted to be piloting the project for the first time in the south (in partnership with South Dublin County Council Arts Office). The artists now participating in the project are: Ann Henderson, Ann Donnelly, Sharon Kelly, Fionnuala Conway, Joe Coveney, Vanya Lambrecht Ward and Maree Hensey.
