Steven Crane uses his talents to support the creative Donegal community

Standing at a junction in Letterkenny, Steven Crane finds himself engrossed in a discussion about the merits of certain posters hanging on poles and walls around him.

A talented graphic designer Steven is at the heart of a thriving and creative community in Letterkenny.
Steven Crane, 36, from Ard O’Donnell, Letterkenny, returned to third level education later in life. He attended Ballyraine National School and later attended the Royal and Prior Comprehensive School in Raphoe.
Having completed second level education, Steven knew he didn’t want to return to an educational environment immediately. However, when he did return to study Creative Digital Media at the then Letterkenny Institute of Technology, he immersed himself in a learning environment which cultivated and grew his creativity.

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Steven had previously been designing by himself so he was armed with plenty of knowledge and technique when he began his study. Steven believes that returning to education is a positive endeavour and encourages other people to follow their dreams.

His beautifully designed posters is what led him to Mouth Piece Open Mic, which has a reputation for delivering some of the best original music, spoken word and comedy the county has to offer, Mouth Piece Open Mic promises laughter, tears, surprises and a warm, supportive atmosphere.

“There is the Artist Support Network (ASN) Donegal which has been set up to push music and provide support for artists. Maighread Ní Ghrásta from Blackbird & Crow is involved and she set up Mouth Piece with the help of other people. Maighread became familiar with my work through Aul Éire. We met and enjoyed each other’s creativity. I said that I would make a poster for the night and that is how I became involved,” he said.

Steven began connecting with artists and bands and as time passed people began to drift away: “You are simply getting your friends and putting them on stage. Maighread approached the Cottage about the idea and they said they’d go with it. If you let creative people do their thing it can have amazing results. People shut things down too readily but that is certainly not the Cottage,” he said.

It was those who run Mouth Piece Open Mic who also helped the Ukrainian artist, Svitlana Babenko, run her second exhibition of Birds Flying High. The exhibition ran in An Grianán Theatre initially and Svitlana who had second pieces, wished to run a second exhibition. Kayleigh Bowery spoke about the art exhibition to Aisling Jarvis and to her mother Moya Brennan. The Clannad singer said she would like to participate and Steven was delighted: “They have their own night in Leo’s called Club Beo and she is very supportive of young artists. It was very impressive that she wanted to be part of it,” he said.

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Steven feels it is important to make people from the Ukraine feel welcome in Letterkenny and to celebrate their culture. His family rowed in behind the idea and his mother Kathy made traditional Irish lamb stew and his aunt Dolores made sandwiches. Borscht soup was also served on the night to ensure those from UKraine could enjoy some of their own fine food.

Bands and artists readily agreed to support the event. Performers on the evening were Logi Bare, Millie Green, Finlay Thompson & Finnoula Falon, Hannah McFadden, Yuri Manziuk, 14, from Ukraine, whose mother was super proud, Max Agafonov and Darren O’Halloran who played his first ever gig. The Notions, Without Willow, Michael Gillespie, George Houston, Hannah Ryan, Future Moyo, Moya Brennan with Aisling & Tim Jarvis, Aiden Hayes and Jack McBrearty also entertained on the evening. Nigel Hegarty did the sound and John Muldowney was the MC/host - the position of host changes each month.

Prizes on the night were a selection of pieces from local artists, generously provided by Amelia’s, Irish Design and Gifts, Letterkenny. Steven sold his amazing posters of the event for donations to support the bands. Bougainvillea Visual Arts also created a few bespoke jewellery pieces in yellow and blue to be auctioned on the evening as did Steven with framed posters, mugs and Aul Éire products which were sold under the hammer. The night proved a resounding success.

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This week Steven is back orgnanising events and gigs to take place in Letterkenny. He encourages anyone who would like to return to third level education later in life to do it.
Walking away from the Letterkenny junction, Steven certainly knows which direction he is taking as he continues to support a thriving creative community in the heart of Donegal.