Cabra Creative Hub
Mid-term Creative Workshops for Children
Barbara Knežević ’ The Record Keepers is a beautiful exhibition for children at Cabra Library Creative Hub, inspired by Amethysts. These online mid-term workshops with artist Olivia Normile are designed for children to look together, and get involved in art-making at home.
Thursday February 18th & Friday 19th
10.30am 6 -8 age
12noon 9 -12 age group
Booking: cabralibrary@dublincity.ie
Materials Required:
- Two sheets of paper, anything you would like to draw with, pencils, markers, crayons, pens, + an object that is important to you that you would be happy to draw, this could be a toy, crystal, seashell, keychain, pinecone, stone, book – it’s up to you!
Creative Hubs
Creative Hubs seek to sustain high quality arts experiences for children, schools and families to access in their Library and locality, through the development of enhanced educational, community and cultural partnership.
In 2019, Cabra Library became the second Creative Hub (following Ballyfermot). Through a process of discussion with library staff, they identified an audience of children and/or families who would benefit most from initial participation in the Creative Hub initiative. A pilot programme of work was agreed which would test three models of engagement over the summer period:
1. Early Years
Very young children (age 3 -5) were invited to experience music with a range of early years musicians across various musical genres. Each musician delivered two sessions for both local crèches and families.
Julie Tiernan’s music workshop explored some of the infinite possibilities of creative expression when we use voice and imagination to celebrate self and explore the world around us.
Eamon Sweeney brought children on a journey of rhyme and song where they explored a range of musical instruments, sounds and beats. Activities included improvisation, song time, inter-active performance and relaxation to music.
The Quiet Tree (Ceol Connected)is an intimate trad. Irish musical performance. The creatures of Whistleberry Forest have discovered an old oak tree growing deep in the woods.. Led by musicians Thomas Johnston and Stephen Markham this delightful musical took children on a journey through the forest, where they became a band of musicians that explore instruments, sing and dance, helping Oran the owl, Sorley the snail and Faolán the frog bring the old oak tree to life.
2. Inclusive Family events
Inclusive Family eventsAs part of Cruinniú na nÓg, both inclusive and bespoke multi-sensory events were created with Children’s Books Ireland ( Storytime for All) and Helium Arts ( Soundscape with artists Slavek Kwi and Niamh Lawlor) designed for children with autism and their families.
3. Visual Artist in Residence , Jane Fogarty
The aim of this residency was to test and create a short but impactful presence for visual art in the library, providing a glimpse into an artist studio and sharing moments of making through scheduled workshops and drop in activities that could create an active presence in a busy library.
Inspired by the colours and environment of the library, children ( aged 6 – 10) worked every day over the course of a week with commissioned artist Jane Fogarty using photography, print, colour mixing, abstract painting, jesmonite tiles and sculptures , for final (temporary) display within the library for family and public to enjoy.
View a short video about Jane’s residency below