Our Youth Advisory Group Returns for 2024!

We’re delighted to announce the return of Kids’ Own Youth Advisory Group!

Kids’ Own Return to family project in Dungarvan

We were delighted to hold another round of workshops recently with children from the Traveller community in Dungarven.

Kids’ Own and Irish Penal Reform Trust Project is Underway!

Kids’ Own, Irish Penal Reform Trust and Bedford Row Family Project recently teamed up for an exciting outdoor art project with children and young people who have a family member in prison.

Kids’ Own Launch St Cecilia’s Artist-In-Residence Video!

Unleashing Creativity through Artist Residency at St Cecilia’s School: Video Documentary Release

Job Opportunity: Kids’ Own seeks Portal Assistant (freelance, fixed term contract)

Kids’ Own is seeking an experienced individual to assist with elements of the Arts in Education Portal programme in 2024.

Complimentary Copies of Grow Up Strong and The Real Us Books and Teacher Resources Available Now!

Kids’ Own are happy to offer schools complimentary copies of our publications Grow Up Strong and The Real Us together with the accompanying learning resource.

 

 

Kids’ Own latest Project with the IPRT

We’re thrilled to announce our latest project, which provides a supportive space for children with a family member in prison to come together and embark on a meaningful creative journey alongside a Kids’ Own associate artist and writer.

Embracing Community and Creativity: The First Cranmore Seasonal Gathering

On the evening of January 31st, in the surrounding of  Cranmore Community Gardens, we welcomed friends, families, and community members to our first seasonal gathering

TADA! Opens at F.E McWilliam Gallery and Studio

TADA! and exhibition by children for children opened it’s doors on 17th February 2024 at F.E McWilliam Gallery and Studios in Banbridge, County Down.

Our Lives Our Voices Research Findings

 

We are very pleased to publish the findings from the Our Lives, Our Voices research by Dr Susan McDonnell and Dr Tamsin Cavaliero. Our Lives Our Voices is a Kids’ Own project with Traveller and Roma children and young people in Cork.

Kids’ Own Celebrates Launch of Two New Books by Roma and Traveller Children in Cork

We are thrilled to share all about the latest Kids’ Own book launch in Cork featuring two new remarkable book titles . Grow Up Strong by children from the Travelling community and The Real Us crafted by Roma children, took centre stage at Nano Nagle Place amidst a flurry of excitement and support.

Job Opportunity: Kids’ Own seeks Graphic Designer (part-time) – POSITION FILLED

* APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED *

 

Kids’ Own is delighted to invite applications for the role of Graphic Designer (part-time) on a fixed-term basis for one year. This role is funded by the Arts Council Capacity Building Scheme.

Kids’ Own is a children’s arts organisation that prioritises meaningful collaboration between children and young people and professional artists through arts processes. We are also a publishing house, and Ireland’s only dedicated publisher of books by children. The in-house Graphic Designer will work closely with other team members to support the activities of Kids’ Own.
The specifications of the role are set out below.

Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the CEO and Operations Manager, duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Effectively communicating Kids’ Own’s mission, vision, and values through all design communications.
• Working closely with the editorial team in the design and development of book publications
• Design and development of promotional material including invitations, website graphics, social media, digital flyers and other promotional print or digital publications.
• Assist in the design and execution of reports for stakeholders and supporting materials, where required.
• Creation of an e-book library of Kids’ Own books suitable for different formats
• Liaise with external printers ensuring material is printed to the highest quality.
• Ensuring asset libraries are well organised and maintained.
• The in-house graphic designer would also undertake work with children and young people who participate in our book-making projects, ensuring that our child-led, child-centred model of engagement extends to all aspects of our work, including the design and publication process.

Essential requirements

Applicants must have:

• A third level qualification in the field of Graphic Design, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in graphic design for print.
• Proficiency in the Adobe Suite is essential
• Excellent collaborative skills
• Experience in designing print-ready artwork.
• Demonstrated history of using and a strong portfolio of creative design work.
• The ability to work both collaboratively within a team but also on your own initiative to identify design opportunities.
• Thorough knowledge and experience of preparing artwork for print and web.
• A strong understanding of design for print/web techniques and the implementation of both.
• A strong interest in the arts and arts in education, and a commitment to Kids’ Own’s values and ethos.
• Experience in designing work by and for children

Requisite skills
It is desired that the successful applicant would have:

• Experience in working with arts, non-profit and charitable organisations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to work well as part of a small team.
• Hybrid working is an option for this role but candidates must be available to be present in the office on a weekly basis

Applications
To make an application, candidates should send a detailed cover letter outlining suitability and motivation for the role, along with a current CV to:
Ciara Gallagher, CEO and Creative Director, Kids’ Own: [email protected]
Deadline for applications is: 22nd February 2024.

Terms
This is a part-time role (2 days p/week) for a fixed term of one year.
Salary: €34,000 pro-rata
Shortlisting will apply.

Discover the Magic of Water, Soil, and Nature in Our Community Gardens!

As we bid farewell to the winter season of our Four Seasons In Our Garden project at the wonderful Community Garden in Cranmore, with our partners Cranmore Co-op, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate the incredible journey we’ve had exploring the wonders of water, soil, and the environment.

Kids’ Own Publishing Unveils Inspiring Books by Traveller and Roma Children in Cork Our Four Seasons in Cranmore project considers the power of water and intention Our Lives, Our Voices; Kid’s Own New Book Titles Have Arrived! Kids’ Own Celebrate World Children’s Day and Our Final Youth Advisory Group Session Kids’ Own Facilitate Creative Workshops at ATU Sligo

 

 

SMILY Sligo and Kids’ Own Collaborate on Empowering LGBTQ+ Video Project A Bright Light is Launched at The Model! Kids’ Own Project Four Seasons In Our Garden is Underway Welcoming Associate Writer Sarah O’Keeffe to Kids’ Own Kids’ Own Second Group Session with EPIC Youth Council : Art, Conversation and Engagement Explore Our Latest Publication; Compass of Change – Let Dignity Be Our Compass Kids’ Own receives €18K Movement for Good Award UN International Day for Eradication of Poverty “That’s Me” Book Launch at St. Cecilia’s School Celebrates Creative Expression of Children with Learning Disabilities St Cecila’s Teacher Triona O’Dowd Hill Visits Artist Andy Parson’s Studio Kids’ Own Youth Advisory Group Strategises on Reaching More Children and Young People Young Advisory Group Session Four Our That’s Me Book Has Arrived! Kids’ Own seeks freelance Grant Writer (temporary) to assist with developing and writing funding applications. Kids’ Own Young Writers Group Comes To An End For Now! Youth Advisory Group – Creative Session Three! Starting School Returns for a New Generation of Little Learners on Their First Day Kids’ Own and EPIC New Book Project Early Years Pilot: Inspiring Minds in Sligo Town Early Years Pilot: Farmyard Miniworld, Ballintogher Kids’ Own New Title A Bright Light Arrives! Kids’ Own is part of new pilot programme: the Arts in Early Learning & Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) scheme Kids’ Own is a Recipient of the Creative Ireland Climate Action Fund! Kids’ Own Young Advisory Group Session Two Kids’ Own Youth Advisory Group is Underway! Love is Love Book Review by Robyn Watch our Children Who Foster Project’s Creative Stop-Motion Animations! New Artist in Residence Project with St Cecilia’s in Sligo Can’t Lose Cant is back in Stock! Dungarven Early Years Project Update Kids’ Own and Cruinniú na nÓg at Sligo Library Children Who Foster: Coming Soon! Join Kids’ Own Youth Advisory Group! Arts for Everyone: St Cecelia’s Book is on the Way! Accessing the Arts: Research Findings from Dr Amy Hanna Young Writers Podcast Episode Five is here Young Writers Podcast Episode Four

 

 

 

Episode Three of our Young Writers Podcast has dropped!

 

 

Leah Russell announced as Researcher on our Early Years Project Episode Two of our Young Writers Podcast Tune in to our Young Writers Podcast Here’s The Tribe: An evaluation of our Young Writers Project Buoyant Anthology Book Launch Hearts and Minds Project – a creative exploration with Down Syndrome children Kids’ Own announce the launch of Buoyant!

 

 

Early Years Project in partnership with Dungarvan Traveller Community Health Project Classic Kids’ Own Titles return! Meet Our Marketing and Communications Officer : Lorna Golden Young Writers Prepare for an Exciting New Book Launch! Young Writers Group Book Pre-Launch Meeting in Derry Some Highlights from 2022! Reflections on Kids’ Own’s 25th Anniversary Conference Roundup Job Opportunity: Kids’ Own seeks Communications and Marketing Officer (part-time) “Blackberry Ink” Project Video marking UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty Kids’ Own 25th Anniversary Conference: Ticket Booking Now Open! Kids’ Own seeks researcher on play-based early years project Artist Sarah Lundy Reflects on Green Futures Project The Green Futures Project with Cranmore Co-Op UN Day for Eradication of Poverty 2022 Announcing Kids’ Own’s 25th Anniversary Conference: 25th November, the Model, Sligo New Kids’ Own Publication | Kind Hearts Children Who Foster Big Little Library Video Global Goals Week Tommy Flavin joins the Board of Kids’ Own Meeting our Arts in Education Portal Manager: Edel Doherty Culture Night Sligo 2022 A-Z Alphabet of Actions Foldout Publication Meet our Operations Manager: Emma Kavanagh Meet our Digital Marketing Officer: Katie Whelan “Right by Us” Project Video Kids’ Own “Love is Love” book radio Interview Meet our Project Manager: Lorna Kavanagh The Green Futures Project Kids’ Own Appoints New CEO and Creative Director Kids’ Own launches new book “Love is Love” by young people from Sligo and Leitrim Foldout Publication on A-Z Early Literacy Project coming soon!

Opportunity: Project Manager for the Arts in Education Portal

Kids’ Own is delighted to invite applications for the role of Project Manager for the Arts in Education Portal (part-time).

Reporting to the Kids’ Own CEO, the Project Manager will work very closely with other members of the Kids’ Own team and the Arts in Education Portal Editorial Committee to manage the Arts In Education Portal (www.artsineducation.ie)

This is a very exciting opportunity for a dynamic community-minded individual with excellent digital skills and event management skills combined to lead the management of the Arts in Education Portal as it enters into a new phase of strategic development.

Launched in 2015, the Arts in Education Portal is the key national digital resource of arts and education practice in Ireland. The ethos for the Portal is about building a community of practice within arts and creativity in education, and providing a space—both online and offline—where artists and teachers can be supported and inspired. It provides a platform through which good collaboration practice in arts-in-education and arts education will be supported, developed and enhanced.

The specifications of the role are set out below.

 

Key Responsibilities

The Project Manager for the Arts in Education Portal will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Arts in Education Portal, including but not limited to:

 

• Ongoing management of all aspects of the Arts in Education Portal website including regular content updates of project features, guest blogs, critical essays, videos, and resources.
• Liaise with, and report regularly to, the Portal Editorial Committee; and attend and lead quarterly meetings.
• Liaison with the Portal web developers to ensure the site is fully maintained and up to date with the latest software.
• Implementation of AiE Portal Digital Marketing Strategy, including web, SEO/SEM, email marketing, social media and digital advertising.
• Manage content across all platforms including email and social media in collaboration with Kids’ Own’s Digital Marketing Officer.
• Managing metrics such as Google Analytics and Webmaster Tools.
• Leading on website and social media channel optimisation for SEO as well as usability.
• Providing editorial, creative and technical support to team members and content contributors.
• Measuring, reporting and recommending on the performance of all activities both online and off.
• Creating and implementing editorial calendars in collaboration with content contributors.
• Delivering effective, cohesive, and engaging brand messaging.
• Development of and implantation of aspects of the annual Portal Commissioning Plan.
• Coordination of all Portal events, particularly the annual National Arts in Education Portal Day and Spring Regional Day, including pre-event planning, audience engagement, organising guest speakers and management of all event logistics.
• Collaborating with the broader Kids’ Own team to ensure that the AiE Portal activities and content aligns with the ethos and remit of the Portal.
• Briefing and managing third-party suppliers, freelancers, videographers and designers to ensure on-time delivery of assets.
• Manage project budgets, in collaboration with the Creative Director and Finance Officer.

 

The successful applicant will have:

 

• A third level qualification in the field of journalism, communications, marketing or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 4 years’ experience in a digital marketing with a portfolio of visual and written content.
• An excellent understanding of the Arts in Education sector and collaborative arts practice.
• High-level, versatile writing abilities with strong attention to detail and editorial experience.
• Proficiency in designing, managing and delivering broad, multi-angle projects.
• Proven track record in creating and publishing online and offline content.
• Proficiency with popular content management systems.
• Adept at SEO best practices.
• In-depth knowledge of various social media platforms, best practices, and website analytics.
• Experience in event management ideally both online and offline.

 

Desirable:

• Experience in working with non-profit or charitable organisations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to work well as part of a small team.
• Highly creative with excellent analytical abilities.
• Ability to travel when required for meetings, events etc. Full drivers licence preferable.

 

Terms of contract:

This is a part-time post (3 days p/week). An initial contract of 9 months will be offered, subject to extension. There will be a probationary period of 6 weeks.

Annual remuneration: €33,000–35,000 DOE. (pro-rata)

Applications:

Candidates should send a detailed CV and cover letter to Kids’ Own Creative Director,

Ciara Gallagher at: [email protected] by Weds 13th July, 5pm

Creative workshops

We were delighted to facilitate some creative workshops with young people who are active with Down Syndrome Sligo, Mayo and Leitrim this May.

Community Publishing Initiative

We have spent a fantastic few days engaging with schools in Dublin to make books. This project with school children took part in Coolock, Cabra and Ballyfermot libraries.

Young Writers’ Podcast!

We are delighted to announce that our Young Writers’ Group is currently producing a podcast!

Teacher – Artist Partnership (TAP) Special Initiative videos

We are delighted to launch a video series developed as part of a special initiative created in partnership with the Teacher-Artist Partnership (TAP) Programme.

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