Dundalk people invited to share their stories of peace

People in Dundalk are being invited to share their stories of the peace process, as places are now available across every strand of Shared Narratives, a cross-border peacebuilding and creative arts programme open to people across County Louth and Northern Ireland.

Over the next two years, more than 1,100 people will take part in the programme, which uses film, theatre, writing and photography to connect people from different backgrounds and communities.

Shared Narratives is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and delivered by EventWise NI on behalf of Louth County Council and the Louth Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

Whether it is sharing a personal story on film, joining a writing group, or simply coming along to a performance and staying for the conversation afterwards, there is a place for everyone. The programme strands are:

Filmed interviews and portraits - Twenty people whose voices have not been heard in previous peace initiatives, including former members of the security forces, will share their experiences in filmed conversations and professional portraits, shown in exhibitions in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Theatre - Audiences across the border region will be invited to free performances of new theatre exploring peace, identity, a changing Ireland, and the experiences of those who served in the security forces along the border. Each performance will be accompanied by networking and followed by a panel conversation.

Women's creative writing and photography - A small group of twelve women will share their stories through writing and photography workshops, with their work published in a book and filmed readings shared online.

Women's Shared Island discussions - Sixty women from a wide range of backgrounds will take part in facilitated workshops exploring what a shared island could look like, with their ideas forming a published report.

Schools programme - Post-primary schools are invited to take part in peace education workshops for students, built around the Aftermath educational resource, developed through an earlier cross-border peace programme to help young people explore conflict, peacebuilding and different perspectives on the past.

Ex-prisoners documentary - Former republican and loyalist prisoners, together with their children and grandchildren, will contribute to a documentary exploring the role ex-political prisoners have played in building peace.

Tally Knipe, Director of EventWise NI, said: "Every one of these strands starts with a person willing to share their story or to sit and listen to someone else's. We want to hear from people right across the border region, whatever their background or experience. These are personal stories, and we will treat every one of them with the care and sensitivity they deserve."

Susan Deery, PEACEPLUS Programme Manager, Louth County Council, said: "Behind every big moment in the peace process are thousands of personal stories, and each one deserves to be heard. I would encourage anyone who is curious, even if they are not sure which strand suits them, to register their interest and find out more."

Anyone interested in taking part in any strand of Shared Narratives can register their interest at www.eventwiseni.com/shared-narratives/