Art in Action was a 12-month creative project for children who are residing in Drishane Castle Direct Provision Accommodation Centre in Millstreet devised in partnership with UCC Fáilte Refugees Society and funded by the European Solidarity Corps.
The project enabled the children to have positive creative experiences and to learn art making skills that would allow them to better understand and share their own voice and views.
As part of UCC Refugee Week 2021, a selection of drawings by the participating children were displayed as part of an outdoor exhibition on the university campus. The artworks offered an insight into the children’s lives, sharing cherished memories with families and friends, or imaginative stories. The artworks also presented the challenges of 2020 and offered glimpses of the children’s hopes for the future. The exhibition was presented on the windows of the Boole Library, UCC to enable safe viewing of the artworks for students, staff and visitors to campus.
Same Storm, Different Boats
On Wednesday 24th February, UCC Fáilte Refugees Society and the Glucksman hosted a webinar that looked at how art can provide a means of creative expression and agency for young people residing in Direct Provision. Three invited speakers, Raphael Olympio, Fionnuala O’Connell and Dr Eileen Hogan explored the impact creative activities can have on young people dealing with troubled living situations and the challenges of seeking asylum in Ireland. They looked at how exhibitions and projects can provide a significant platform for these young people to share their experiences in the public realm.
Art in Action is funded by the European Solidarity Corps and supported by Leargas.