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EQUALITY FOR WOMEN MESURES
DATES: Oct 05 - Mar 07
Introduction to this programme
The context of the programme
Printmaking text, printmaking images
Textiles text, textile images
Art and Design
Drama and dance
Dreamscape interactive exhibition
Boat-making and lantern
Trip to Kilkenny arts festival
Drawing
Painting
Work experience/facilitation
Trip to Liverpool
Journeys exhibition
Exploring equality through arts
Video expression
Integrated workshops
Closing seminar
Where from here
Introduction to this programme:
Arts and peer facilitation training for women with disabilities:
The aim of this project was to train a group of women in arts and facilitation skills, while providing FETAC accredited courses. The new skills acquired by the group included working in Printmaking, Textiles, Design, Drawing, Painting dance drama and video expression. These women were then supported in designing and delivering workshops within the community, facilitating integrated workshops.
During the 18 months, the group took part in arts exchanges with groups in Kilkenny and Liverpool , attended artists talks, visited galleries, and held exhibitions and showcases of work.
The project promotes integration in community and in education and employment. It is a progression route to further education or employment.
While the main funding for this programme came from EWM we also received funding from the Department of Education Back to Education Initiative which has hugely enhanced our programme and increased our capacity in the quality and quantity of training provided. This is a partnership that we hope will continue beyond EWM
The project is based at Mayfield Community Arts Centre, Newbury house. The centre is committed to providing the community with access to and participation in creative processes, and promoting social equality and justice both locally and globally. We work to enrich the community by increasing awareness of the value and diversity of artistic expression. There is a strong training element to our programme.
We have 2 core programmes DISABILITY ARTS PROGRAMME and Development education/ citizenship programme
Through the disability arts programme we aim to advocate the right of people with disabilities to participate in the economical, cultural and social/community life and to highlight the role and contribution that artists with disabilities can make by:
- Providing quality arts training in a variety of media with optional accreditation
- Supporting artists to exhibit and market their work and develop professional practice
- supporting and training artist with disabilities to engage with and facilitate projects in the community with a wide variety of groups
In our arts based development education programme we use arts as a tool to create awareness and to facilitate active participation in development issues, human rights, justice and world citizenship issues in the formal and non formal sector.
October- Dec 2005
Printmaking
FETAC accredited level 3
pictures of this module
During October the group attended printmaking workshops in association with Cork Printmakers. They gained skills in various printing techniques including mono printing, etching and screen printing.
The aim of the project was:
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of craft processes
- Develop sensitivity to craft materials and processes
- Use materials tools and equipment safely
- Develop personal qualities such as perseverance, initiative, creativity and self confidence
The Mayfield Library hosted an exhibition of these screen-prints.
November 2005
Textiles
FETAC accredited level 3
Pictures of this module
During October the group attended textiles workshops and gained skills in weaving, design, fabric collage
The aim of the project was to:
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Develop an understanding and appreciation of craft processes
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Develop sensitivity to craft materials and processes
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Use materials tools and equipment safely
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Develop personal qualities such as perseverance, initiative, creativity and self confidence
Jan-March 2006
Drama
Fetac accredited level 3
Pictures of this module
This group had worked on worked on self-expression, confidence and team building through dance during their first term. They choreographed a dance piece based on a theme of their choice; they worked with a local community centre, crèche and preformed their dance piece in the local library.
Building on their interest experience and skills a drama module was developed that integrated dance, movement and drama. The group developed their own personal confidence and group skills through creative expression. The group devised a drama piece based on journeys, they worked on the choreography, selected music, created props and costumes, painted their faces and then took the piece to the beach where they carried out a site specific performance . This was videoed and the outcome was shown at the Triskel 'Journeys' exhibition.
December 06
Art and Design
FETAC accredited level 3
pictures of this module
During October the group attended art and design workshops where they worked on the theme of self portrait through painting collage and book making.
The aim of the project was to:
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of art and design elements
- Explore a range of media and materials safely
- Communicate ideas effectively
- Develop personal qualities such as perseverance, initiative, creativity and visual awareness
- To build on confidence and communication through self-reflection and exploration of skills and interests which were represented through the art produced
The portraits and books were exhibited as part of the Dreamscapes exhibition in the Triskel
March 2006
As part of St. Patrick's Festival the group worked on "Dreamscape", transforming the Triskel Arts Centre into an surreal dream-like environment and interactive exhibition.
pictures of this module
The group was based in the Triskel Arts Centre and many other groups of all ages and abilities were invited to participate in workshops working in a variety of media to creatively explore the theme.
Activities Included:
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Workshops to create the interactive environment
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Making interactive tents with music lights arts work and activities inside
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Making globe 'planets of dreams'
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Zen garden making and ' Islands of dreams'
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Dance and movement and installation with sand and stones
The public were also invited to take part in activities and share their own dreams with the world. An estimated 1000 people engaged with the work and many groups were offered tours of the gallery.
July 2006
The group worked with Meitheal Mara creating boats and lanterns that were exhibited in Fitzgeralds Park , Cork City .
pictures of the module
The E.W.M group applied for funding under the Youth initiative Leargas programme. They were interested in learning the skills involved in boat-making and lantern making, the group also held workshops in design and publicity for an exhibition of work at the end of the project and to celebrate launching their boat,
The project was based in the Triskel art centre, all the workshops were open to the public, who were invited to interact with the group, Meitheal mara ran the boat making workshops, while artists worked with the group to learn the lantern/ willow sculpture and skills in advertising and publicity workshops.
On 27th July the group launched the boat and held an exhibition of artwork and photographs in the Lord Mayors pavilion in Fitzgerald park. Sculpture banners and lanterns, Brian Crowley MEP was invited to officially launch the boat on the River Lee. This was a very successful event and received much publicity in local media.
E.w.m group later used the skills they learnt to facilitate other groups of mixed ability to create lanterns and willow sculptures
August 2006
Trip to visit arts organisation KCAT take part in Kilkenny Arts Festival
pictures of this module
The group travelled to Kilkenny Arts Festival in August, to meet with KCAT, a disability arts organisation; two KCAT artists were responsible for the design of the parade for the Festival. The group viewed an exhibition of these artists' drawings, met some of the artists and watched the parade. Following this, they visited other galleries in Kilkenny.
September - Nov 2006
The group complete FETAC accredited modules in Drawing and Painting Level 4.
Drawing
pictures of this module
The group used a variety of techniques to express ideas and develop their drawing skills. There was a theme of light running through the work they carried out. Each participant experimented with natural materials, light drawings, pinhole drawings for light boxes, collage and ink drawing
The aim of the project was to:
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use drawing as a communications tool
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use drawing media creatively and imaginatively
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develop observation and communication skills
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record aspects of the visible world
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experiment with a wide range of drawing media
The work completed in this project was exhibited in the Triskel
Painting
September - November 06
pictures of this module
The group used painting as a means of personal expression and through this medium they experimented with paint styles and their technique. During the workshops the group created collages painted on different surfaces and learned about the process of mural design. We also had a visitor from Nicaragua , Julio Moreno who shared about his work of mural painting to communicated about human rights. He also passed on techniques and skills.
The aim of the project was to:
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communicate ideas through paint
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use painting as a creative medium
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develop manipulation and application skills
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experiment with a range of media and techniques
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learn the principles of colour
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Relate colour and paint to other craft areas.
The work completed in this project was exhibited in the Triskel
Designing and delivering workshops
Work experience/ arts facilitation workshops
September - November 06
pictures of this module
In September the group devised their own workshops to share their newly acquired skills from the boat and lantern project. They worked in teams of 3 to design and present their own workshops in making natural sculptures, with each participant taking a leading role. The group worked with mixed ability groups from St Patrick's Secondary School, Cope QDS, Cope Hollyhill and L'Arche Community. All the work created during this project was exhibited in the Triskel Art Centre in December-January.
Presentation skills
The group met weekly to develop their presentation skills, the areas covered were communication skills and confidence building. The aim of these sessions was to enable the participants to became familiar with the concept of professional arts practise, talking about their artwork, making slideshows of their work and developing their artists C.V's. The group also visited galleries and arts festivals to learn about professional arts practise, installation of artwork and presentation of exhibitions.
October 06
Trip to Liverpool to visit DADA fest and international disability arts festival and the NWDAF, North west disability arts forum
In October the group visited Dada (Disability Arts) Festival in Liverpool .
This festival is an annual event showcasing and promoting disabled artists work, the group attended festival events, arts organisations and galleries.
The group visited with Twin Vision ( A community film and animation company) and NWDAF (North West Disability Arts Form), both of these organisations work with artists with disabilities, the organisations gave a tour of their workshop spaces, presented their work and the Liverpool artists gave brief introductions on their individual artwork. The group also visited the TATE Liverpool and galleries in the city.
December- January 07
Journeys
pictures of the project
The group transformed the Triskel Arts Centre into an extravaganza of
light and colour. for 3 weeks, 15 th Dec - 26 th Jan,
This exciting exhibition featured a broad range of artwork by the EWM work .
On ground floor features 'Weaving on Water' a magical installation of water and light In the summer, the group worked with Meitheal Mara, learning boat building skills and creating a coracle, the groups also worked with
natural materials creating lanterns and willow sculptures. The women involved then went on to share the skills they had learned with other aspiring artists from St Patricks College, L'arche, Cope Hollyhill and Cope
Glasheen resulting in this enchanting installation.
An upstairs gallery space hosted interesting installation Journey of light' featuring drawing and paintings, light boxes, sculptures and projections of drawings created by the group
On the top floor was an exhibition of work by 4 invited women artists. Anny Servais a well recognised Belgian artist and Lorna Corrigan from KCAT Kilkenny exhibited alongside Women from the EWM group Aoife Lovett and Rita Guinan from Cork
From the 11- 15 December the EWm group invited groups to attend tours of the space
In January a group from KCAT visited to see the exhibition and artist Lorna Corrigan from KCAT talked about her work as an artist and the group from Kilkenny were toured around the exhibition.
Feb - March 07
Art & Equality
Pictures of this module
The group explored the issue of equality through the medium of art dance and drama for two days weekly. Using role play, drama games discussions, art activities, dance and movement the participants developed their awareness and a greater understanding of the importance of equality for all. The content of the mural looks at the freedom of speech, celebrating different cultures, freedom of expression, education & access for everyone. Most importantly for the group the mural expresses the overall importance of friendship as an integral part of peace and equality. The mural will be exhibited at the ocean to city race in Cork city on the 2 nd of June
Video Expression
accredited Fetac module Level 4
pictures of this module
The video expression workshop was based on the theme of equality and learning about the process of video production. The participants practised using audio and visual equipment. As a group they devised a programme plan. Each participant chose a role in the production team and the video expressed the importance of equality to the group through dance and drama.
During this project the group
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engaged in active viewing of a range of video and TV material
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participated in the production of a video or TV project
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expressed their views through the video medium
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worked as part of a team
Learned how to operate necessary equipment.
The group produced two videos exploring the issue of equality for exhibition.
March 07 -
Lifelong Learning Festival:
integrated workshops:
The group designed and co-facilitated workshops during the week of the Festival, Incorporation many of the skills they had learnt. These workshops were given to integrated groups from local care organisations and schools.
Arts for Integration
Showcasing and exploring the potential for arts and integration in the area of disability
To celebrate the end of the EWM project the Centre is hosting a showcase of work to acknowledge the artists and to professionally present their work and to open the discussion for future projects. Other disability arts projects are also featured, including representatives from KCAT, Kilkenny. This publication is launched as part of this event.
Where from here?
We are planning programmes in the supporting organisations of EWM participants to give them an opportunity to share more of their experiences with their peers and give their peers a step on the accredited training ladder. One project will work with in integrated group from St Patrick's transition year group and training centre for young adults with disabilities. Through these projects the group will gain more work experience and we will support them in receiving accreditation for this.
We will continue to link them to other resources, career guidance, job coaching, further training in non arts related modules to enable them to work toward full FETAC certificated.
We have been approved in principle to operate a Community Services programme from 2007-2009 and are awaiting the processing of our business plan. Through this programme we hope to employ six artists with learning disabilities to work as artists in residence at the arts centre, producing their own work but also engaging the community in creative activities.
We are very excited about the potential of this programme for the artists with disabilities involved but also about the huge impact this can have on the community in enriching opportunities for creativity and integration.