€27k awarded to two Kildare theatre groups
Droichead Youth Theatre's production of 'Critical Miss', directed by Christina Matthews Photo: Bill Woodland
TWO Kildare arts organisations have been awarded a collective €27,246 through the Arts Council’s Youth Ensembles Scheme, which is 11% of the entire national allocation. Crooked House Theatre Company from Newbridge has been awarded €17,566, while Purple Door has been awarded €9,860.
Purple Door is a theatre company and dance troupe for people with Down’s Syndrome, and Kildare is just one of three counties in which it operates in Ireland.
The Arts Council’s Youth Ensembles Scheme supports groups of young people between the ages of ten and 24. It focuses on providing them with the resources to create or critically engage with ambitious and original work across any artform.
This year, a total of €246,439 has been awarded to 13 groups across Ireland through the Youth Ensemble Scheme. By centring young people in the creative process, this scheme affords opportunities for confidence building, developing leadership skills and building community connections.
Research has shown that access to and participation in the arts is an essential part of childhood which improves all aspects of children’s lives.
The arts can provide a safe and inviting space for children and young people, where they have choice and agency, can develop their ideas, interests and skills, and encounter new experiences and possibilities.
The Youth Ensemble Scheme is one of a number of Arts Council schemes that support the development of youth arts in Ireland.
In addition, the Arts Council is also a partner in multiple state initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people.
The Arts Council will continue to work with national and local government, and local arts infrastructure to support partnerships in the areas or early childhood, education and youth arts.
Speaking recently, minister for culture, communications and sport Patrick O’Donovan, said: “Participation in the arts is proven to have a positive effect on the health and well-being of those of all ages. For children and young people, who are at a crucial developmental stage of their lives, access to the arts is of particular importance. It is vital that we provide younger generations with safe spaces to explore and expand their creative abilities and collaborate with their peers in a meaningful way. This scheme is one of the many foundational supports that help to embed art and creativity in communities across the country.”
