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01/02/2006
Buildup To What Is Ireland Event Continues
What do you think of when you think of Ireland?
“Tin whistles!”
“Cows!”
“Hurling – Seán Óg O'hAilpín!”
“Eminem – he lives in Dublin!”
These are the responses of some second-class pupils of Scoil San Phroinsias, Tirellan, during workshops on the theme “What is Ireland?” Over 50 students articulated their idea of what ‘Ireland’ means to them through words and art on Thursday 26 January and will continue their exploration of individual and national identity over the coming week.
The facilitators of the workshops, young alumni of NUI Galway, were delighted with the energy and imaginations in which these young citizens engaged with the question posed. One particular boy declared, bewildered, that he didn't know where he was from, while others were surprised at how many countries share green in their flags!
Declan Heery, David Russell, and Martina Callanan are all BA graduates from 2002-2005. As graduates of the prestigious Washington-Ireland Program for Service and Leadership they are committed to demonstrating their passion for active citizenship and public service.
From January 26 to February 12 2006 a provocative series of events aims to bring together people from all sections of society to explore their sense of what ‘Ireland’ and ‘Irishness’ means.
“We are simply three twenty-somethings trying to do something that will increase mutual understanding and appreciation between the diverse political, ethnic and religious communities on the island of Ireland,” explained Martina, 23 from Terryland, Galway City.
“Our mission is to provoke debate and conversation to encourage people to come to mutual understanding and appreciation of differences.”
David, 23 from Kilkee, Co Clare, gave details of the events. “On February Friday 10th we are hosting in NUI Galway a Colloquium of speakers on the idea of Ireland sponsored by the Bank of Ireland, plus opening an art and photo exhibition featuring school children and members of the NUI Galway community.
The highlight will be on Saturday 11th February with a day-long art workshop with Macnas, Ireland’s leading community arts organisation. A unique art installation will be created by a group of 40 people. Sponsored by the Community Knowledge Initiative, NUI Galway, it will be exhibited in NUI Galway, then sent to Washington DC this summer, and finally to Belfast later this year.”
Declan, 25 from Oranmore, extended an invitation to alumni of NUI Galway. “All of these events are open to fellow alumni. We would like to ask you, “What is ‘Ireland’?” We invite you to “Put your ‘Ireland’ on a page” and share your idea(s) with us. We invite submissions of photographs and art too. Please play your part and contribute your ideas of ‘Ireland’.”
All contributions, whether it’s a photograph (8”x10”, b&w or colour), a few words, an idea, a colour, a painting, a quote or simply a dream, can be sent to Washington-Ireland Program, c/o CKI, Room 124 Arts Millennium Building, NUI Galway.
Martina added, “Creating something tangible and visible – whether it’s for the exhibition or the art installation – is very important. For us, it’s essential that something new be physically created from all the thoughts and conversations. We just don’t want to talk about – we want to do something. Art is our method for action.”
If you would like any more information on the events please email.
| Email What Is Ireland? |
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