Project Type:
Social inclusion & Community Engagement

Dates:
Autumn - Winter 2021

Participant Group:
Young people & children from Wexford

Artist:
Sarah Fuller, Helen Flanagan, Mary Branley

Partners:
Wexford Library Service and Wexford Local Development

Funders:
The Arts Council of Ireland

Hear Our Stories

Kids’ Own has been working with a group of Syrian children and young people who are living in Co Wexford. The project’s focus is to provide a space for their unique creative expression, their experience and their voice.

The workshops were a mix of creative play, storytelling, writing and visual art activities using a variety of art materials. The children and young people used different media to explore the stories they wanted to tell, using objects that are important to them as a starting point. We worked with them using the creative process to nurture confidence, resilience and self-esteem. The children’s voices and interests have determined the direction of the project.

 

Puppetry sets

The workshops took place over 8 Saturdays, from October to November 2021. Artists Sarah Fuller and Helen Flanagan – new Associate Artists from our book panel – worked on this special project, with support from Mary Branley in her capacity as writing mentor. They worked with two groups of children and young people: one in New Ross and one in Enniscorthy, with ages ranging from 5-14 year olds.

We will be compiling all their creative work into a book. With this publication, we hope to create awareness of the experiences and voices of this group of children and young people, one that celebrates cultural diversity and interculturalism in Wexford, in a meaningful way.

We are delighted to be partnering with Wexford Library Service and Wexford Local Development, who share our commitment to supporting all children and young people in our communities.

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