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Creative Schools

Introduction to Creative Schools

Creative Schools is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme to enable the creative potential of every child. Creative Schools is led by the Arts Council in partnership with the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Creative Schools, formerly Arts Rich Schools/Arís, draws on the commitments set out in the Arts in Education Charter.

This initiative will understand, develop and celebrate the arts and creativity in 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 within which they operate. The long-term aim is for every school to be supported to fully embrace the arts and creativity, ensuring a positive experience and strong outcomes for children and young people.

R.T.E aired a documentary on how the process has come to life in some schools during the academic year 2018-2019. This footage is available on R.T.E player through the link below:

https://www.rte.ie/player/series/creative-kids/SI0000006920?epguid=IP000065210

Naas Community National school was selected to participate in this programme for the school years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. We began the process in September 2019 when we were paired with our wonderful Creative Schools Associate Aleksandra Rosiak. Aleksandra helped us to co-ordinate focus groups for both staff and students, where creative practices in the school were discussed. The Student’s Council then began to compile a list of creative projects the children in the school were interested in exploring; some of the projects that made it to the top of the list were; animation, music, art and drama. These ideas were then short listed and presented to the rest of the children, each child in the school then got to vote for the idea they liked the most.

Due to current restrictions, the majority of the creative projects we will be participating in this year will be done remotely via video communications platforms. Here, we wish to keep you updated on all the latest workshops and activities taking place in the schools thanks to the Creative Schools Project.