Free Kids Arts Day

Leaf it out…

his year’s annual arts love-in for the kids of Wicklow boasts some wonderful shows and some groovy workshops.

Most importantly, if you’re a kid, all these fine Cruinnú na nÓg shows are free.

Bada-BOOM!

Happening on Saturday, June 10th, before we unleash Wicklow County Council’s witty and insightful press release on the 40+ events countywide, you may want to immediately jump on board the two free Arclight Drama Studio shows at The Whale – namely, for 4-8yrs, Babes In The Wood at 11.30am and for 9-13yrs, The Imaginarium at 2pm. There’s also free Storytime & Art workshops at Greystones Library, at 10am and 11.30am – phone 012873548 to book. There’s also two workshops with the Making Waves Youth Theatre at Coolnagreina between 12pm and 2pm.

Also, Wicklow Arts have finally uttered some info on Chris Judge’s Lonely Beast, who took up residence in Burnaby Park a month ago.

Now, over to that official lowdown on the day’s free goodies…

Cruinniú na nÓg, the national day of creativity for children and young people, returns to County Wicklow on Saturday, June 10th 2023.

A flagship initiative of Creative Ireland’s ‘Creative Youth Plan,’ Cruinniú na nÓg aims to enable, celebrate and encourage the creative potential of children and young people through creative activities.

Following the recent ‘Voice of the Child’ research conducted by Wicklow County Council’s Arts Office, this year’s programme features a diverse and extensive line up of events, activities and workshops designed to inspire and delight.

Over 40 events, activities and workshops will take place in nine locations across County Wicklow including:

⦿ Arklow Music and Arts will present an afternoon programme of activities in the Arklow Library to welcome and connect with local young people. Activities range from a percussion workshop with percussionist and composer Tony Byrne, to an artist workshop with Julie Fee and musical performances from Roisin Vigors, Fionn Vigors and Teddy Guilfoyle.
⦿ To mark ‘Creative Places Baltinglass,’ Wicklow County Council Arts Office has created a unique Cruinniú na nÓg programme for Baltinglass on Saturday, 10th June. This will feature workshops and activities by local artists including painting with Maura O’Halloran; candle making with Karen Allison; jewellery making with Rosella Doherty; archaeology with Mairéad Ní Cheallaigh and a cooking demo by local chef Maggie Roche. Activities will take place in the Tearmann Community Garden.
⦿ The Arts Office has partnered with The Whale Theatre and Greystones Library to provide activities ideal for young creatives. Arclight Drama Studio will lead two unique interactive theatre experiences in The Whale Theatre while Susie Fortune from White Doodle Art will lead two drawing workshops exploring collage art inspired by Christ Judge’s ‘The Beast Baby’ book which was recently installed as a Story Trail in Burnaby Park.
⦿ In Rathdrum, a diverse range of activities and workshops from around the world have been selected for Cruinniú na nÓg. The programme includes a Ukulele workshop with Ronan McCauley; Japanese Arts and Origami activity with Azumi Uchitani; Clay and Pottery workshops with Christien van Bussel; Mindful Monsters story time and drawing with Rachel Tyrrell – all activities will take place at the RDA Hall.
⦿ Building on last year’s success, Irish Street Art & Circus Spectacle are providing free Spinning Plates sets to every county in Ireland. A QR code linking to a video tutorial is included with each set. Children and young people can learn how to spin a plate virtually with fellow young circus enthusiasts from the partnering organisations. Spinning Plate sets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the following libraries: Aughrim, Carnew, Enniskerry, Tinahely and Ballywaltrim.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Tommy Annesley, said he was delighted the County Council undertook the ‘Voice of the Child’ research earlier this year. “It has enabled such a wide range of creative and fun activities, workshops and events to be made available to the children and young people of County Wicklow.”

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, said: “Cruinniú na nÓg 2023 is a significant collaboration between Creative Ireland, Wicklow County Council and local arts organisations and creative community groups in Wicklow. As the only event of its kind in the world, this year’s programme is a perfect day out for families.”

All events are free and people are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. You can find out more here.