The
Uillinn Arts Centre offers workshops/classes in art, dance, and theatre for
young people; having these types of resources are very important for the
wellbeing of local youth. For a lot of people who aren’t involved in sports it
is difficult to find a place outside school to meet with and engage with people
with the same interests, even though schools often have drama and art clubs, I
feel that people want something not associated with school, especially because
school can be negative place with exams and pressure. It is hard to be in a
creative mind space in a school environment. For people who are home schooled
being part of the Uillinn has positive benefits too. Giving them the
opportunity to be an individual and develop their creativity through drama, the
arts or dance.
“Uillinn has become a welcoming home to me these past few years” - MICH, 18
I joined the Rusty Frog Youth Theatre Group
when I was 15 and being home-schooled. Home-schooling can unfortunately have a negative
reputation but mainstream school doesn’t suit everyone, particularly those who
are more creative.
In 2020, my normal
became everyone’s normal and suddenly everyone was taught ‘at home’. Suddenly
people couldn’t meet up with friends. Then it became more important than ever to
have a close group. During the Covid Pandemic the Rusty Frog Youth Theatre went
on zoom. Although it couldn’t replace meeting in person, I still looked forward
to it each week. We managed to adapt to the circumstances and did two
performances over zoom, one of which we performed live and the other we filmed
beforehand and edited. It was challenging but fun getting used to performing in
a very different way.
“the art centre gave me a place to explore more of the dance world” - Hetty, 17
I am 18 now and looking back on the last 3
years joining the Rusty Frog at the Uillinn exposed me to a lot of
opportunities I wouldn’t have ever been a part of e.g., being part of the Guerrilluinn
Youth Rep Committee, mixing music for the production of ‘Deano’, designing
the poster for my last performance with the Uillinn ‘Box of Frogs’ and writing
a monologue for a play that I went on to perform for the audition that got me
into the drama course I’ll be starting in September. I even had the opportunity
to take part in auditions for the National Youth Theatre. Since then, I have
studied art at college and with the RBGE. I am very lucky to have been involved
in theatre at the Uillinn and in the words of Seán O'Casey, 'All the worlds a stage and most of us are
desperately under rehearsed.’
“The Uillinn provides an integral creative space as here is a lack of artistic infrastructure in the west cork area. being a member of the rusty frog youth theatre has helped me boost my self-esteem and made me a more outgoing and confident individual” - padraig, 18
https://www.westcorkartscentre.com/Guerrilluinn
#Guerrilluinn
The remit of Uillinn Youth Arts Committee is primarily to inform and advise on the development of Uillinn’s children and young people's programming.
The current membership formed in September 2021. There are 7 members representing Uillinn Young Dancers, Rusty Frog Youth Theatre, Draw Mind Matters and Creative Schools programmes all programmes that take place at Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre.
Dance: Hetty Gazzaniga & Amy Jennings, Creative Schools: Lucia Madajczak, Youth Theatre: Padraig Harrington & Charlie DeLacey, Draw Mind Matters: Mich Maguire & Hannah O’Driscoll.
With an age range from 14 to 18 years old, they proudly represent the diversity in our community with representation from LGBTQI+ community, young people living with disability and learning difficulties, and wide socioeconomic and cultural background.
Approximately four meetings take place each year (4 already in 2022, so more this year as this group have high ambition). Meetings are 2 hours long and include creative explorations and administrational tasks. At meetings and through their WhatApp group they are learning about the programme, residencies, exhibitions and the Centres management is integral. Volunteering and supporting at events is encouraged.
Uillinn Youth Arts Committee are currently seeking funding to lead a research residency at Uillinn and public art project in the town with a view to increasing the number of young people engaged in Arts and arts programme.
The current membership formed in September 2021. There are 7 members representing Uillinn Young Dancers, Rusty Frog Youth Theatre, Draw Mind Matters and Creative Schools programmes all programmes that take place at Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre.
Dance: Hetty Gazzaniga & Amy Jennings, Creative Schools: Lucia Madajczak, Youth Theatre: Padraig Harrington & Charlie DeLacey, Draw Mind Matters: Mich Maguire & Hannah O’Driscoll.
With an age range from 14 to 18 years old, they proudly represent the diversity in our community with representation from LGBTQI+ community, young people living with disability and learning difficulties, and wide socioeconomic and cultural background.
Approximately four meetings take place each year (4 already in 2022, so more this year as this group have high ambition). Meetings are 2 hours long and include creative explorations and administrational tasks. At meetings and through their WhatApp group they are learning about the programme, residencies, exhibitions and the Centres management is integral. Volunteering and supporting at events is encouraged.
Uillinn Youth Arts Committee are currently seeking funding to lead a research residency at Uillinn and public art project in the town with a view to increasing the number of young people engaged in Arts and arts programme.
