Published 09.12.2025
by Kids’ Own
by Kids’ Own
Donate here to support our work
A children's arts organisation and publishing house.
Kids’ Own is delighted to share a new video documenting We Can Play, our creative early years project developed in partnership with Dungarvan Traveller Community Health Project, Waterford County Childcare Committee, and the Waterford Traveller Interagency Group. This project offered a unique space for Traveller children, their siblings, and parents to explore creativity outdoors, with workshops taking place on Clonea Beach.
Artists Maree Hensey and Francesca Hutchinson reflect on their experience of working with the children and families. They speak about their inspirations, how they approached the workshops, and what they hoped the children would take away through creativity, outdoor play and time spent together in nature.
The film also features the voices of the children themselves. Their words and expressions reveal the curiosity, imagination and growing confidence that developed throughout the project. The short film was created by videographer Colm Walsh.
As this project comes to a close, the film captures the spirit of collaboration, connection and creative freedom that made the project such a special experience for everyone involved.
Alongside the film, we are also sharing a new research report connected to our I Can Run Free project in Dungarvan. Early Years Consultant Leah Russell undertook a research role to document the experiences and learning that emerged throughout the programme.
Leah attended creative sessions on Clonea Beach and worked closely with project workers, parents, children and young people. Her work builds a narrative timeline of the project and offers clear, evidence-informed recommendations to support similar initiatives at local and national levels.
The research focuses on outdoor engagement and ephemeral art, highlighting how democratic, nature-based creative spaces allow children and young people to explore their ideas, follow their own interests and have their voices genuinely heard.
We invite you to watch the short film and read the full research below report to explore the insights from this unique project, which has now successfully concluded.
https://kidsown.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/I-Can-Run-Free-Report_Online_Only.pdf
We extend our thanks to our partner, Dungarvan Traveller Community Health Project, and funders, Toy Show Appeal Community Foundation Ireland for their generous support of this project.
Read all about We Can Play here: https://kidsown.ie/projects/we-can-play-an-early-years-project-with-traveller-children-from-dungarven/