Fine Gael Cork Senator and Leader of Seanad Éireann; Jerry Buttimer, has said that children here in Cork have been chosen to participate in a pilot Creative Schools scheme. This will give them increased access to creative activities in schools as part of Arts Council led initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme
Creative Ireland is the Government’s Legacy Programme for Ireland 2016, the year of commemorations. Creative Ireland puts culture and creativity at the centre of public policy, which will benefit artists and citizens here in Cork and nationwide.
The Creative Schools scheme programme is a central initiative of Pillar 1 of the Government’s Creative Ireland Programme, which puts the arts and creativity at the heart of children and young people’s lives.
The scheme was launched by Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan and Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton and is due to begin this September.
Senator Buttimer said: “I am very pleased that Coláiste Daibhéid, Edmund Rice College Carrigaline, Glasheen Girls School, Gaelscoil Mhachan, Beaumount Boys National School, Scoil Bhríd Crosshaven, St Killian’s Special School Bishopstown and St Luke’s National School Douglas have been chosen to participate in this pilot programme.
“Art and music are a part of who we are as a nation. Through the programme, the Arts Council is engaging with children and young people enabling their creativity and linking them in with the arts and creative infrastructure in their locality and nationally.
“This pilot initiative will develop and celebrate the arts and creativity in our schools. It will establish a range of collaborative opportunities for schools and will develop and strengthen the relationships between schools and the broader cultural and community infrastructure here in Cork and further afield.
“I have no doubt the scheme will prove a great success,” Senator Buttimer said.
Launching the scheme, Minister Madigan said: “Today, we reinforce the idea that the arts are a powerful means through which our children and young people can develop their creative capacities and skills, which in turn will help guide and empower them as they embark upon their own journeys of discovery, inspiration and achievement.
Minister Bruton said: “This initiative underlines the importance that arts and creativity can play in our education system, not just as a curriculum subject, but as a vital part of the personal development and creative expression of our children and young people.”
