Donegal Gaeltacht schools take part in Arts Council’s collaborative art exhibition

This February, the Arts Council’s Creative February initiative has been at the centre of classroom activity across the Donegal Gaeltacht. While the project is primarily focused on encouraging creativity in young people, this year’s theme, ‘Connect with Nature’, also encourages children to immerse themselves in their local environments. 

Community building and connection is particularly important nowadays, where personal connection can often feel like a lost art.

With the internet always at our fingertips, keeping up to date on international affairs and worldwide events has never been easier.

However, over-relying on online connection can lead to a feeling of disconnect and isolation.  Gaeltacht communities are essential to the preservation and growth of our language and culture, and community building within Gaeltacht communities is key to ensuring their survival. 

Over the course of Creative February, students across five Donegal Gaeltacht schools came together to create a tapestry of artwork, which was publicly exhibited in Leabharlann Phobail Na Rosann and on Tory Island. The schools involved were Cnoc na Naomh, Caiseal Na Gcorr, Scoil Naomh Dubhtach and Scoil Náisiúnta in Gortahork, as well as Scoil Naomh Cholcille on Tory Island.  

“Some students wrote poems, while others drew pictures of historical buildings. A number of children illustrated the view from the windows of their homes, and others created drawings showing their favourite pastimes and hobbies,” said Anna Uí Bhaoill, the principal of Scoil Naomh Cholcille on Tory Island. 

“The children took great pride in showing the completed piece to their siblings, parents and grandparents, as well as the pupils and teachers of the secondary school, Coláiste Phobail Cholmcille and the many islanders who came into the school specifically to see their exhibition.” 

The tapestry is composed of individual student artworks, which were drawn on seeded paper. Now that the artwork has been exhibited, the seeds from the paper will soon be planted to bring bloom to the participating schools. 

Principal of Scoil Noamh Dubhtach Fearghail Mac Grianna said the project provided teachers with “a wonderful opportunity to promote creativity and integrate art with our local heritage and environment.” 

“It was also very positive for the local community,” he said.  

“It brought people together and allowed the wider community to see and celebrate the children’s work.” 

The event emphasised the importance of culture and community, which are essential to the ethos of both Scoil Naomh Cholcille and Scoil Noamh Dubhtach. 

“While we are officially recognised as a Gaeltacht school under the Gaeltacht Policy, our connection to Irish culture has always run deeper than formal recognition,” Anna said.   

“The Irish language, song, dance, and drama are woven into the very fabric of our school as well as our island community.” 

Similarly, Fearghail said “Irish language and culture are at the heart of everything we do” at Scoil Naomh Dubhtach. 

“Our school has a proud history in the area, and many past pupils are now parents and grandparents of current students,” he continued. 

As well as taking part in Creative February, both schools also participated in the Art Council’s Creative Schools programme. For two years, schools work with artists or creative practitioners known as Creative Associates to bring arts and creativity to the heart of children’s and young people’s lives, enhancing their learning experience. 

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Leanne McLaughlin has worked as a Creative Associate for the past six years and has helped to facilitate the Creative Schools project in the Donegal Gaeltacht. 

“The program has a lasting impact,” Leanne said.  

“It strengthens student’s confidence, imagination, and creative expression, while helping teachers and schools to foster a more creative approach to learning. 

“I have witnessed first-hand that when creativity is placed at the heart of learning and education, it supports a healthier, more holistic environment in which the whole school community thrive.” 

Creative Schools is currently open for applications at https://artscouncil.ie/funding-opportunities/creative-schools/ .