Project Type:
Early Years, Arts Engagement, Research
Date:
June 2025
Participant Group:
Early Years Children from the Traveller Community
Artists:
Maree Hensey, Francesca Hutchinson
Partners:
Froebel Department of Early Learning and Childhood Education at Maynooth University
Funders:
Katherine Howard Foundation
Katherine Howard Foundation Early Years Project
Exploring Creative Play with Traveller Families and Young Children
An early years research project led by Kids’ Own, launching June 2025
We’re delighted to share news of a new Early Years research project starting in June 2025, developed in partnership with Traveller families and their young children. This new strand of work explores the value of creative play and meaningful engagement with the arts in early childhood.
Building on Past Work
This project grows out of Kids’ Own’s long-standing commitment to supporting creative experiences for young children. It follows on from our Arts in Early Years pilot and a creative programme developed with families in Dungarvan, County Waterford.
Creative Consultations Through the Arts
Over a series of expressive and imaginative sessions, associate artists Maree Hensey and Francesca Hutchinson will work closely with Traveller families to explore themes of play, creativity and connection. The project will centre the voices of parents and children in an open and respectful space where imagination leads the way.
Research Partnership
In tandem with the creative programme, a team from the Froebel Department of Early Learning and Childhood Education at Maynooth University will carry out a research study to better understand what Traveller parents want for their children’s early learning and creative development. The researchers will also observe the children’s engagement during the sessions. Their findings will be shared in a final research report.
Supporting Culture, Community and the Arts
Funded by the Katherine Howard Foundation, this project offers a powerful opportunity to listen, learn, and advocate for arts-rich early education rooted in the needs and aspirations of Traveller families.
Kids’ Own is proud to be working in partnership with families, artists and researchers to champion creativity, belonging and meaningful early years engagement.