A day of creativity for Mayo's youth

Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18.

Cruinniú na nÓg, which takes place on Saturday, June 6th is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people.

Creative Communities Engagement Officer for Mayo County Council, Anna Livia Cullinan, said: “Cruinniú na nÓg is a day full of opportunities for young people to explore or showcase their creativity. Here in Mayo, we have events from Clare Island to Kilmovee, for toddlers to teens.” Kayleigh Murphy, a member of the Mayo County Council Library team added: “Cruinniú na nÓg has added so many creative opportunities to the library programme over the past few years. From juggling to dinosaur discos, there has been something for everyone to engage in and get creative.

In an age of declining creativity amidst the rise of generative AI, the loss of original thought and shortening attention spans, what do we have left for the next generation of artists? Why, the youth, of course!

This summer, Creative Ireland brings to you “Cruinniú na nÓg”, a day of events working to light a spark in and inspire Ireland’s artistic future. Visual artists, musicians, writers and craftspeople of all disciplines come from all over the country to create expert, free (!) workshops for children.

Events include “All kinds of Bears”, a teddy bear painting workshop at the National Museum of Turlough, and “Dauntless”, a pirate show on Inishturk.

So, is your family free on June 6th? If so, why not check out the events list on www.cruinniu.gov.ie. It’s sure to be a day to remember.