Six schools in Clare to join Arts Council Creative Schools initiative
THE ARTS Council has announced that offers have been made to 141 schools and centres across Ireland who applied to be part of the Creative Schools initiative.
The Creative Schools initiative gives opportunities for children and young people to build their artistic and creative skills.
Each of the 141 schools taking part will receive a grant and work with a professional Creative Associate who will support them to develop and implement their own bespoke Creative School Plan over a two-year period.
The 141 new Creative Schools comprise 97 primary schools, 25 post-primary schools, 4 special schools and 10 Youthreach centres. Joining the programme this year are five schools in Alternative Settings who cater for young people with severe emotional and behavioral challenges. St Paul’s YEP, Dublin; St Laurence O’Toole’s Special School, Dublin; Henrietta Street School, Dublin; St Kevin’s School, Cork; and St Augustine’s Special School, Limerick will join the programme and receive enhanced supports.
Among those invited are five primary schools in Clare: Annagh National School, Clooney National School, Ennis National School, Feakle National School, Kilfenora National School; and one post-primary school St. Anne's Community College in Killaloe.
Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media said: "I am thrilled to see the continued success of the Creative Schools initiative and warmly welcome the 141 new schools and centres. Since 2018, Creative Schools has been a testament to the pivotal role creativity plays for children and young people across Ireland; in their education and for their school communities."
"I hope that the Creative School initiative continues to flourish and empower our young people as these new schools and centres embark on the programme."
Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said: "We extend a warm welcome to the 141 new schools joining Creative Schools. The demand nationwide is a testament to the programme's impact, and we're excited even more schools in Ireland are now part of this creative journey."
"Collaborating with our partners in the Department of Education, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, as well as Creative Ireland, we anticipate another school year filled with creativity, consultation, and exploration."