New cross-border arts programme to focus on connection and community building

Connection and community building lies at the heart of a new cross border creative arts programme with communities in Derry and Donegal combining artistic and creative talent, building professional skills in the arts and digital technologies and showcasing literary talent.

AGD Gweedore Theatre in the Donegal Gaeltacht is partnering with the Waterside Theatre on the new cross border creative arts programme connecting people within Gaeltacht, Nationalist and Unionist communities on each side of the border. 

Funding of over €100,000 has been provided by the International Fund for Ireland under the Communities in Partnership Programme (CIPP).

Pictured, left to right, Damien McKeever, Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríghde, Paddy Harte and Michéal Ó Duibhir.

The programme comprises three distinct but interconnected strands - performance and community dialogue; creative arts and digital technologies training and a series of creative writing and literary events. 

“This new cross border creative arts programme represents a new beginning, opening another avenue for communities to engage, to build bridges and to forge new connections, built on their commonalities,” Paddy Harte, IFI Chair commented on the launch of the project.

“Through the medium of the creative arts, literary and artistic expression, we are confident that this programme, spearheaded by two internationally renowned organisations committed to the promotion of the arts and community engagement, will have a deep and long-lasting impact on people that share an interest in the arts within communities both sides of the border."

Paddy Harte, Chairperson of the International Fund for Ireland

Mr Harte continued: “We have only recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement/Belfast Agreement, a landmark moment providing an opportunity for reflection on what has been achieved but also prompting us to look forward and consider what we want to achieve for communities, north and south in the future.

“Partnerships between AGD Gweedore Theatre, nestled in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht and the Waterside Theatre, one of the UK’s premier arts organisations, are a template for what is possible and provide a roadmap for facilitating dialogue between communities, reaching out, building new connections and sharing the language, culture and heritage that are unique to our communities north and south. 

“The ambition and vision of the programme, and the work undertaken to bring it all together, must be commended. The project is also a perfect fit for our new Communities in Partnership Programme, which reaches deep into the heart of communities.

Speaking about the programme, Iain Barr, CEO of Waterside Theatre said; "We live in a society still heavily divided along religious and cultural lines and community arts are often the channel through which individuals and groups encounter the arts for the first time.

"The arts have an important role to play in delivering the transformation of our society; arts and culture can strengthen communities, bring people together and remove social barriers.

"Waterside Theatre is an inclusive organisation and we strive to ensure that those most marginalised and disadvantaged in society can benefit from being involved in the arts. This partnership with Amharclann Gweedore is built on the foundation of shared vision, commitment and the belief in the power of the arts to foster understanding.

"Facilitated by the International Fund for Ireland's Communities in Partnership Programme, we are set to bring about transformative collaborations in the realms of cross-community performances, dialogues, accredited training programs and creative writing initiatives."

Iain Barr, Chief Executive of Waterside Theatre speaking at the launch of the Cross-border Creative Arts Programme

Pól Mac Cumhaill, Chairperson of Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair said: "This is a great opportunity for our voluntary managed theatre in Gweedore, which has supported the work of actors, performers, musicians and artists through the medium of the Irish language for many years, to build connections that strengthen that work. The opportunity to partner with Waterside Theatre is exciting and the programme that we have jointly designed is innovative and beneficial to each area.

"Both theatres are inclusive spaces and we welcome every opportunity to share the language, cultural and literary heritage, that is unique to our communities north and south. This is also a great opportunity for actors, artists and performers from each area and will support the ongoing development work of voluntary committee."

The professional play ‘Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme,’ by Donegal playwright Frank McGuinness is among the showcase elements of the programme. Participants will come together to rehearse and perform the highly acclaimed work which recounts WWI from the perspective of eight Ulster Unionists who volunteered to serve in the 36th Ulster Division at the beginning of the war.

The staging and performance of the play at AGD Gweedore, at the Waterside Theatre, and at four additional community arts venues north and south, will enable both organisations to connect actors and artists in both communities. The programme will also facilitate a post-performance dialogue session, with participants and attendees invited to engage and share their perspectives on the play.

Further to this, a 12-week Creative Arts and Digital Technologies programme will enable participants to gain practical hands-on experience in arts management practices. A Creative Writing Programme and Literary Events will connect writers and authors through workshops and participation in literary festivals.