Our series of workshops with early years Traveller children and their siblings from Dungarvan has now come to an end. On their final day on the beach together, artists Maree and Francesca, and the two groups of children involved, held a farewell and closing ceremony, reflecting on all they had experienced and learned together over the months they had worked on the project together.

The project has been a wonderful experience for the children, allowing them to explore their surroundings through play-based arts practice. Most of the workshops took place on Clonea Beach giving the children an opportunity to experience nature together and let creativity and collaboration lead the way.

The support and participation from the children and their families is very much appreciated, we’d like to thank each and everyone of you who gave us your time and your creative input.

We are now working away with our associate artists Maree Henley and Francesca Hutchinson to create a brand new Kids’ Own publication from the artworks created by the children and the experiences they had together. Maree and Francesca visited our offices last week and met with our design team to begin the creative process of making the book. In keeping with the project, which was all outdoors on beaches in Dungarvan, Maree and Francesca made their response to the project at Strandhill beach in Sligo! We can’t wait to share more updates on this exciting publication soon.

We’d also like to extend our thanks to Dungarvan Traveller Community Health Project in County Waterford, Dungarvan Traveller Health Project, Waterford County Childcare Committee and Waterford Traveller Interagency Group who have supported and collaborated with us on this project.

Keep and eye on our website and socials for updates on the book release!