CRUINNIÚ na nÓg Kerry 2020 was hosted on various digital platforms on Saturday last with creativity and innovation on display across all events.
This year’s event was programmed at a particularly challenging time for all. In the middle of the global health crisis of COVID-19, Kerry County Council Arts Office worked with artists and facilitators to develop a strong line up of online and digital events that would appeal to young people from the ages of 5 to 18.
“It was a learning curve for us in the Arts Service, in particular when we saw the reach of the online activity,” stated Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer & Creative Ireland Coordinator.
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“Programming an online aspect to future days of creative engagement will form part of what we do moving forward, we are confident that by doing this we will reach new audiences for arts and creativity. Most importantly, we will provide greater access to young people to creativity.”
Cruinniú na nÓg in Kerry saw a strong, varied programme with film, creative writing, singing, dance, visual arts and robot building.
By noon on Saturday, Present Day Poetry Kerry has over 500 people reading the poetry written by children across the Kingdom.
The future of creativity is bright indeed. The drawing workshop by ‘Me and the Moon’ attracted participants from many counties up the country as well as children across Kerry.
With 13 events and over 2000 participants and viewers, Cruinniú na nÓg in Kerry received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive with fun had by all who participated.
Mayor of Kerry, Niall Kelleher, commented: “Creativity is an essential component in the wellbeing of Kerry communities and in particular for our young people. On behalf of Kerry County Council, we were delighted to partner with Creative Ireland on Cruinniú na nÓg 2020. I’d also like to pass my thanks and congratulations on to all the artists, facilitators, participants and audience on a hugely successful online event.”
Check out Kerry County Council Arts Office social media channel @kerrycoarts and website www.kerrycoco.ie/arts to see images, video clips and reviews of the successes.
Cruinniú na nÓg Kerry is facilitated by Kerry County Council Arts Office/Creative Ireland Kerry Office andCreative Ireland and supported by The Culture Team of Kerry County Council.