Mayo to celebrate children's creativity
Pupils from Castlebar Primary School with Cllr Michael Loftus, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council; Mayo County Librarian Austin Vaughan and library and arts office staff at the launch of Cruinniú na nÓg 2024, which takes place on June 15th, 2024. Pictures: Alison Laredo
Circus and craft events in Achill, creative writing workshops in Claremorris, illustration events in Belmullet, a magic workshop on Inishturk, jiving and country music in Bohola – these are just a few of the exciting events for children on Saturday, June 15th, as part of the Cruinniú na nÓg Festival in Mayo.
This year’s theme, 'Dare to Create', encourages young people to try something new and showcase their talents.
Cruinniú na nÓg is Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18.
"Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have such a day," says Mayo Creative Ireland Coordinator Austin Vaughan. "In Mayo, we will have over 60 events covering all areas of creativity, from stop-motion animation workshops to dancing sessions inspired by nature."
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Loftus, stated: “We know creativity is so important for wellbeing, social connection, and economic development, so it’s wonderful to have a day of free events for children to showcase and explore their creativity.”
The events are organised through the Cruinniú na nÓg Mayo Events Grant Scheme, and this year children and young people helped select the winning entries.
“We decided this year to involve children and young people in the panel process for the grants,” explained Mayo County Council’s Creative Communities Engagement Officer, Anna Livia Cullinan. “And honestly, the youth panel was brilliant. They thought of everything from making sure there were events for children with additional needs to having interesting options for all age groups. Their advice for event organisers was to have fun and be genuine. Silly voices are also welcomed but not required.”
This year also sees the introduction of Cruinniú Late. Cruinniú Late is funded in partnership with the Nighttime Economy Taskforce as a way to keep our creative spaces open and active by providing a series of evening and late-night, alcohol-free events for older teens.
As part of Cruinniú Late, Brad Heidi, No 1 on the Irish Breakers Chart with his latest single , will be performing at Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet alongside a DJ, open mic, photobooth, and much more. There will be a VR mural session in Ballina Library where young people can step into a virtual world and explore different aspects of the mural in 3D, examining the intersection of art and technology. Additionally, there will be creative tasters and a street art event at Castlebar Library.
Cruinniú na nÓg 2024 is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth plan and is organised in Mayo by the Creative Ireland team of Mayo County Council with the support of young people, community groups, creatives, and organisations across the county.
Minister for Arts Catherine Martin expressed her delight at the expansion of the programme.
“This year Cruinniú na nÓg is everywhere, and all at once! I am thrilled that we are launching Cruinniú Late, providing authentic, alcohol-free spaces for young people to perform. Our partners in local authorities have devised over 31 great events for 14-18 year olds.”
Cruinniú na nÓg takes place in Mayo and across Ireland on Saturday, June 15th. All events are free. For a full programme of events and to find a Cruinniú na nÓg activity near you, visit www.creativeireland.gov.ie.
