CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT 2006/2007

The transition year of St. Patrick’s Girl’s School, Gardiner’s hill began thinking about murals in September 2006. Some of them became involved in or after schools programme in the arts centre and as a result 2 girls from the transition year were selected to go to Nicaragua in January for a traning exchange project alongside other young people from Cork.
The Creative Engagement module really began in January after the exchange project. The girls who had participated led the group in the design and execution of 2 large murals on the theme of PEACE. During the workshops the group explored the themeof PEACE on different levels, inner peace, peace in our community and our country and global peace. @ large murals were painted and hung over Eamon DeValera Bridge in Cork City Centre at the June Bank Holiday Weekend. 4 other groups completedmurals also on the theme of Peace and they were also hung on the bridge for the weekend.

activities included:
Introductory workshops in the school
Workshops on Peace and local/ global development issues
Drama activities
Mixed-media art activities
Painting, drawing
Group discussion

PROJECT OUTCOMES:
2 murals 5m x 3m each painted on canvas. These have been hung at the Eamon De Valera Bridge and also at the Picnic in the Park in Fitzgerald’s Park.
Provided students an opportunity to learn artistic skills which they cannot do in school as the school has no art facilities.
Developed group dynamic and team work skills
Provided opportunities for young people to become involved in other art centre activities.
Linked with other groups in Cork and also groups from international partner organizations who were also undertaking murals projects at the same time.
The young people were assisted by 2 Nicaraguan volunteers who were working in the arts centre at the time.
Participants were encouraged to keep a journal throughout the project as a personal record .