An Arts in Early Years Residency in Sligo

The Wonder Programme is a new pilot residency developed by Sligo Arts Service in collaboration with Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership.

A New Residency for Artists and Early Years Settings

As part of the programme, four Sligo-based artists have been selected to take part in this new Arts in Early Years residency:

• Lorna Watkins
• Karen Webster
• Brenda Kearney
• Anna Spearman

Working in pairs, the artists will collaborate across two Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) settings in Sligo. The services were elected with the assistance of Sligo County Childcare Committee and are Ballintogher Community Childcare CLG, Ballintogher Co. Sligo and Benbulben Creché, Caltragh, Sligo Town. In seeking expressions of interest from Sligo based childcare facilities to take part in the Wonder Programme the County Childcare Committee received a high volume of applicants; demonstrating the desire for this type of work within the Early years sector.

Exploring Creative Practice with Young Children

Taking place in spring and autumn 2026, the artists will work closely with young children and early years educators, developing approaches that centre:

• curiosity
• experimentation
• shared discovery

The residency focuses on process rather than outcomes, allowing space for ideas to emerge through play, interaction, and exploration.

This approach recognises the value of artists bringing their own ways of thinking and making into early years settings, while also responding to the rhythms and experiences of young children. Engagements are responsive rather than prescriptive and create space for the children to lead the direction of the project.

Building on Existing Work

The Wonder Programme builds on Kids’ Own’s ongoing Early Years work in Sligo, currently taking place in two ECCE settings through the Arts Council’s Arts in Early Years Scheme.

This new residency expands that work while also creating opportunities for Sligo-based artists to develop their practice in early childhood contexts.

A Shared Learning Experience

Alongside their work in the settings, participating artists will form a small cohort, creating space to:

• exchange ideas and experiences
• reflect on their developing practice
• build confidence working in early years environments

This peer exchange is a key part of the programme, supporting a growing community of artists interested in this area of practice.

The artists will also work with Mentors; artists who haven experience working in Arts in Early Years, giving them the opportunity to develop their practices in a supported way.

Looking Ahead

The Wonder Programme is a first step in developing a sustained model for arts engagement in early years settings in Sligo.

By supporting both artists and educators to work together in open, exploratory ways, the programme creates meaningful opportunities for young children to encounter art as part of their everyday experiences.