Newsletter
Occasionally, news from Cork City Arts Office is published here. If you would like to stay up to date on the latest news and opportunities, go to http://eepurl.com/ddOG5P or scan the 'Subscribe' QR Code below and sign up to receive our newsletter by email.
Cork Launch of the SocialPracticeToolkit.com
Cork City and Leitrim County Arts Offices are delighted to launch www.SocialPracticeToolkit.com in Cork, a groundbreaking resource for socially engaged arts practitioners and communities. This toolkit serves as a comprehensive guide and support platform for artists, cultural workers, and community organizers dedicated to fostering social change and equity through creative practice. It was first presented nationally at the "Socially Engaged Practice: Building Equity in a Divided World" Conference and Networking Event held with Create (National Development Agency for Collaborative Arts) at The Dock, Carrick on Shannon in November 2024.
SocialPracticeToolkit.com was conceived to support practitioners as they navigate the complexities of social practice, offering tools, frameworks, and resources tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within this field. The platform is designed to help bridge gaps, facilitate collaborative partnerships, and support creative and engaged arts projects that aim to make a meaningful impact in communities across Ireland and beyond.
Commenting on the importance of the toolkit at a local launch in Cork city, Lord Mayor Dan Boyle said
“Socially engaged practice has never been more important, especially in a world increasingly marked by social division. This toolkit is designed not only to support artists and cultural workers but also to empower communities to share their stories and make connect creatively.”
The launch event, was preceded by a workshop facilitated by Siobhán Clancy, Assistant Arts Officer – Community Arts. Participants were introduced to the toolkit and explored how they could integrate it into their projects through group activities.
Cork City Arts Officer Michelle Carew highlighted
"With the launch of SocialPracticeToolkit.com, we are providing a resource that promotes inclusive and equitable approaches to artistic collaborative engagement. It will appeal to those new to community and socially engaged arts as well as those with more experience. It will be very relevant to those interested in the Creative Communities Funding Scheme and Artist and the Community Awards supported by Cork City Council."
SocialPracticeToolkit.com features a variety of resources, including case studies, best practice guides, and tools for sustainable project development and management. The platform is also intended to grow and evolve with input from practitioners and community leaders, making it a living resource that reflects the dynamism of socially engaged practice.
Leitrim Arts Officer Philip Delamere explained
" SocialPracticeToolkit.com is the result of several years creative and critical collaboration between our arts offices in consultation with arts organisations and practitioners. It’s essential for practitioners to have access to information on best practice, especially when working in underserved or underrepresented communities. This toolkit is a significant step towards building a more inclusive arts sector, where creative voices from a diversity of identities and backgrounds can thrive and make a difference.”
More About SocialPracticeToolkit.com
SocialPracticeToolkit.com is a newly launched online platform aimed at supporting practitioners of socially engaged arts. Funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and Creative Ireland, it provides resources to foster creative engagement within communities and promote positive social change through the arts.
For more information, visit www.socialpracticetoolkit.com or contact:
Siobhán Clancy, Assistant Arts Officer, Cork City Council Arts Office, Anglesea St, Cork. T12 T997. Email siobhan_clancy@corkcity.ie or telephone 021 4924000
Philip Delamere, Arts Officer, Leitrim County Council Arts Office, own Hall, Bridge St, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim, N41 K2V4. Email pdelamere@leitrimcoco.ie or telephone 071 962 1694
Cork City Council Arts Office Announces Recipient of Pilot Visibility Bursary
Artist Tom O'Sullivan, a painter based in Crawford Supported Studios, has been awarded the Cork City Council Visibility Bursary Pilot Award, supported also by the Arts Council of Ireland.
The Visibility Bursary was piloted in 2024 to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in the arts sector. A number of city-based arts organisations were invited to participate in this pilot by advocating for artists who submitted proposals for consideration for this award. The bursary allocation followed an assessment of a very high standard of applications by a panel facilitated by Cork City Council.
Tom’s award highlights his contribution to contemporary art, particularly his compelling approach to painting, which has earned him recognition for its unique voice and creative depth. Tom will be mentored by artist Róisín O'Sullivan. Through this opportunity, Tom will elevate his artistic practice and broaden his professional opportunities.
Tom stated that he is 'delighted' to have been awarded the Visibility Bursary. Tom and his family wish to thank Crawford Supported Studios for their work in advocating for its studio members.
Tom O'Sullivan’s artistic journey has been one of dedication and growth, and this award represents a positive milestone in his career. His involvement in Crawford Supported Studios has been instrumental in nurturing his talent, providing him with a collaborative and supportive environment to experiment and innovate. Crawford Supported Studios provides safe studio space, art materials, equipment, two long-term studio facilitators, assistance with transport and communications, access to exhibitions, audiences, peers, and support in terms of professional training and development. The initiative is anchored by a long-term partnership between @MTUCrawford and Crawford Art Gallery, with ongoing support from Cork City Council.
The Visibility Bursary allows Tom to take the next step in his artistic evolution and reach a broader audience. According to Crawford Supported Studios which provides safe studio space, art materials, equipment, two long-term studio facilitators, assistance with transport and communications, access to exhibitions, audiences, peers, and support in terms of professional training and development, “Tom has developed a process of making through dedicated ‘doing’ over years within the supported studio. The Visibility Bursary provides meaningful support by funding access and mentoring with Artist Róisín O’Sullivan. Assisting Tom in developing new skills, meeting artist peers, travel, accessing materials and tools, and developing new artwork. Tom is a gentle and self-effacing presence within Crawford Supported Studios and we are truly delighted that he has achieved this recognition for his work.”
Cork City Council Arts Officer Michelle Carew commented “This pilot comes at an exciting time for Tom, as he continues to explore and refine his distinctive artistic style. His work, characterized by dynamic composition and bold colour palettes, explores themes of identity, memory, and place. With the support of this award, Tom aims to develop new directions in his painting technique, further strengthening his practice and visibility in the wider arts community.”
The outcomes from the pilot will be assessed by Cork City Council Arts Office and learning will be implemented in approaches to funding in future years that will support equity, diversity and inclusion.
For more information about Crawford Supported Studios, go to https://crawfordsupportedstudios.com/
Cork City Council Arts Strategy - Publication of the First Interim Implementation Report
The five-year Cork City Council Arts and Culture Strategy sets out our mission to “enable and champion the artistic and cultural ambitions of Cork city and its people through investment, advocacy, connection and animation” and outlines the goals, objectives and target outcomes that will guide our work for the period of the plan.
The first interim implementation report outlines the progress made to date towards the achievement of the plan’s objectives. Across each of the strategic priorities, actions undertaken in the two years since June 2022 are detailed, grouped under the relevant target outcome.
Partnership is the principal enabler of the body of work achieved to date, and indeed the work that remains to be done over the coming years. We acknowledge the contribution of all the collaborators working with us to put arts and culture at the centre of a vibrant, just and progressive city – artists, arts organisations, communities, other sections within Cork City Council, national agencies, and Government.
We look forward to advancing on our ambitions for the arts and culture in Cork city as we build on the body of work outlined in this report in the next three years.
Cork City Council Arts Office invites expressions of interest for the delivery of Engaged Research Services for Creative Places Knocknaheeny Research and Development Strand
The image displayed is a montage of creative activities that have taken place in Knocknaheeny in recent years. From a mural designed with creche goers to performances by children and young people to creative workshops with older participants, the range of ages and artforms represents a vibrant, multicultural and creative community. White text over the image bears the title 'Creative Places Knocknaheeny'.
We are excited to announce an upcoming opportunity with the Creative Places Knocknaheeny partnership in Cork city.
About
Cork City Council invites expressions of interest from experienced individuals for the provision of Engaged Research Services for Creative Places Knocknaheeny Research and Development Strand. Creative Places Knocknaheeny is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and supported by a partnership of local organisations. Together, we wish to respond to the demand for more local arts and creativity in the community as expressed in a review of the Knocknaheeny Social Economic and Environmental (SEEP) Plan.
Engaged Research Services are required to facilitate an R&D process between October ‘24 and December ‘25. This brief depends upon a broad range of hands on, creative, organisational, analytical and interpersonal skills. Foremost of these is the ability to ‘meet people where they are at and at a time that suits them’. With that in mind, expressions of interest are invited from one individual or a partnership/team of individuals working together to provide the services required for the budget available. The brief may appeal to creative and cultural producers/researchers/consultants or other practitioners with arts-based group facilitation experience that can be applied in the delivery of Engaged Research Services.
The objectives for Creative Places Knocknaheeny R&D are outlined in detail together with budgetary and scheduling information in the Engaged Research Services Brief. The deadline for responses to the brief is 4pm on Monday 9th September 2024. Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview in late September 2024.
How to apply
Please express your interest to siobhan_clancy@corkcity.ie via email by 4pm on Thursday 22nd August 2024 if you wish to be included in an opportunity to quote for the services required.
A copy of the brief and an overview of the application process including instructions for submitting a quotation by the September deadline will be sent on a rolling basis to everyone that sends an expression of interest email with the title ‘Creative Services Knocknaheeny’ in the subject line.
Professional Development Opportunity for Artists with an Interest in Working with Children and Young People
Call for participants
An exciting opportunity aimed at artists and arts workers interested in children and young people’s arts and participation supported by The Arts Council Invitation to Collaboration Scheme. To take part, simply submit your expression of interest.
About
Cork City Council Arts Office and Leitrim County Arts Office invite artists with a special interest in arts practice with children and young people to participate in a FREE professional development opportunity.
Supported by The Arts Council Invitation to Collaboration Scheme and taking place throughout May and June, this exciting CPD programme for artists and arts workers interested in working with Children and Youth is aimed at anyone keen to exchange knowledge and upskill in collaborative and participatory arts with children and young people.
The programme, which will be delivered through a series of six online workshops and two in person meet ups, will focus on relevant topics presented by leading artists in the field in Ireland who will offer learning based on their own experience and practice areas. Topics covered will embrace practical considerations, such as relationship-building and initiating collaboration or partnership, age-appropriate planning, and youth-friendly evaluation and will build a deeper understanding among participants of the children and youth arts context. Individual workshops will be led by leading artists in the fields of Early Years Arts, Arts and Health, Music Production and Performance for and by children and young people and more. In-person meet-ups are currently scheduled for Monday 8th May in Leitrim and Monday 18th June in Cork. Online sessions will take place 11am–1pm over five Wednesdays in May and June. Applicants should endeavour to commit to all sessions in the programme. Travel and overnight costs are supported by the project funding.
On the conclusion of the workshop series, a set of Case Study videos with interviews of the presenting artists will be published online as part of www.socialpracticetoolkit.com. These videos will provide a critical set of resources to supplement a text-based toolkit for practitioners with practical tips and templates.
Apart from building the capacity of participating artists to understand and engage in children and young people’s arts through socially engaged methods, the programme will also be a unique opportunity to connect with peers and gain new insights into a professional practice area from both rural and urban settings in Leitrim and Cork and from emerging and more experienced practitioners.
How to apply
Expressions of Interest are invited from artists living and/or working in Cork City and Leitrim County.
Please note that preference will be given firstly to those living and secondly to those working, or intending to work, with children and young people in Cork City and Leitrim Local Authority areas.
Applications can be made via the Leitrim Arts Office website www.leitrimarts.ie where applicants are requested to complete this online form and submit an up-to-date CV.
The deadline for applications has been extended. Please contact sptoolkit2023@gmail.com
Pilot Residency Opportunity
Expressions of Interest are invited by email by 12pm on 27th February 2023 for the first stage of selection for the role of Community Artist Curator in Residence at Cork St Patrick's Parade 2024 which carries a residency budget of €22000. A Residency Information Seminar will take place online on Tuesday 21st February at 2pm. Registrations are welcome via Eventbrite.
Up to four shortlisted applicants will be provided with a unique insight behind the scenes of the 2023 parade prior to submission of a proposal for the role of Community Artist Curator in Residence at Cork St Patrick's Parade 2024. A stipend of €500 per shortlisted candidate will support Stage 1. Please note that additional limited funding will be available to cover access costs (including childcare fees, if applicable) pending discussion with Cork City Council’s Events Team following the shortlisting process.
The purpose of this pilot opportunity is to support Art in the Public Realm, a strategic priority of Cork City's Arts and Culture Strategy 2022-20226. We hope it will enable us to build on the strong tradition of outdoor arts in Cork City and capacitate the realisation of memorable arts experiences in the public realm, across all art forms and practices, ensuring environmentally sustainable approaches.
Follow through to see the full details and submission guidelines for Stages 1 and 2.
Please note that funding of €22000 will not be awarded until Stage 2. The deadline for Stage 2 is 17th April 2022. Only those shortlisted via Stage 1 may apply.
For queries and submissions, contact stpatricksfestival@corkcity.ie.
Newsletter
Occasionally, news from Cork City Arts Office is published here. If you would like to stay up to date on the latest news and opportunities, go to http://eepurl.com/ddOG5P or scan the 'Subscribe' QR Code below and sign up to receive our newsletter by email.
