Published 18.12.2024
by Kids’ Own
by Kids’ Own
A children�s arts organisation and publishing house.
A children�s arts organisation and publishing house.
As 2024 draws to a close, Kids’ Own Publishing is proud to reflect on the incredible work we’ve been able to accomplish, thanks to the dedication of our talented artists, the support of our partners, and the amazing children and young people we’ve had the privilege to work with. Here are just a few of the projects we have worked on:
Cruinniú na nÓg Shared Island Initiative
This year, we continued our efforts to engage children in creative exploration through the Cruinniú na nÓg Shared Island Initiative and in partnership with Mayo County Council. This project aimed to connect communities in Mayo and Down through arts and culture, offering children a platform to express themselves while learning from one another. The initiative was a wonderful testament to the power of the arts to foster understanding and connection across Ireland.
The Story House at The Model
We are also thrilled with the success of The Story House, a beautifully crafted space made from recycled materials, now on display at The Model, Sligo. This interactive experience continues to inspire children to create their own books, with Kids’ Own books available for exploration. The Story House serves as a lasting reminder of the power of creativity and environmental awareness.
SMILY Youth Group Zines Project
In collaboration with Youth Work Ireland North Connaught, we facilitated a series of workshops with the SMILY Youth Group. These workshops led to the creation of individual zines, many of which explored LGBTQI+ themes. The project empowered young people to express themselves authentically and share their experiences, making it an important milestone in our continued work with young people in the community. This project was funded by Sligo County Council and the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Irish Penal Reform Trust Project
Kids’ Own also partnered with the **Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT)** to support children with family members in prison. This project, guided by our associate artists, allowed these children to express their emotions and experiences through creative writing and art. The resulting book will provide a valuable and authentic voice to the challenges these children face. Funded by the RTE Toy Show Appeal and the Community Foundation for Ireland.
Collaborative book project with the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO)
We were also fortunate to work with the OCO on this project, which provided a platform for children and young people to share their thoughts and concerns about their rights and how they are represented. This project highlighted the importance of hearing children’s voices on their rights and on the importance of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office.
A Year in Our Garden Book Launch
We celebrated another milestone with the launch of our book, A Year in Our Garden. This project, which took place in the Cranmore Community Garden, brought together an intergenerational group to explore the changing seasons and create a book that reflects their shared experiences. With the generous support of Creative Ireland Climate Action and in partnership with Cranmore Community Gardens, the launch event was a joyful celebration of the community spirit and creativity that defined the project.
As we close out 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the many successes this year. From launching books to completing exciting projects with partners across the country, we’ve been honoured to support and uplift the voices of children through art and literature. We are so excited to share the stories of these incredible young people and look forward to more creative adventures in 2025!
Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. We can’t wait to continue this journey with you. Read more about our fantastic 2024 below:
