Dear friends of Creative Ireland,
I wanted to update you on plans for Cruinniú na nÓg 2020 – Ireland’s national day of free creative activities for children and young people under the age of 18.
Over the past 2 years Cruinniú na nÓg has become a key point in the calendar for children and young people to try something creative, develop an appetite for discovery and acquire new skill, 2020 will be no different. In light of ongoing public health restrictions we’re inviting young people to celebrate our culture and creativity and to take part in a virtual Cruinniú on Saturday 13th June.
Cruinniú na nÓg 2020 is a collaboration between the Creative Ireland Programme, local authorities and RTÉ.
We’re delighted to announce that 300 + events will be happening in the run up to and on the day itself.
These will feature on our website https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/ . RTE School Hub, TRTE on RTE2, RTE Culture and RTE social media will also carry our content.
Some creative efforts are already in train like
- Glen Hansard teaching singer songwriter workshops.
- Fighting Words and the Great Lighthouses of Ireland had an astonishing 1300 entries for their storytelling call. Submissions have come from every part of Ireland. A team of staff and professional editors donating their time are proofreading and copy editing the stories. The Fighting Words illustrator team are providing illustrations that will be included in the digital magazine on Saturday June 13th, with children’s own illustrations. Three separate volumes of Become A Young Storykeeper will be published in June, July and August 2020. Each volume will have 250 submissions. A lucky ten story entries will be made into animations and will be ready for June 13th.
- A radio series and podcast ‘My Creative Life’ featuring young people of all ages from around Ireland will air throughout the summer.
There are a number of creative “calls to action” which young people – indeed entire families – can create in their own homes and gardens. I’d be grateful if you would share the details and links among your own networks and encourage as many children to get creative for Cruinniú:
- Céilí in the Kitchen – A collective call to action for young people and their families to create a Céilí in their kitchen for Cruinniú, with Áirc Damhsa, who will guide us through the Irish tradition of these communal social events that take place in houses.
On the 13th of June you won’t have to leave the house to join a Céilí, you can have one right there in your own home. All you have to do is push back the kitchen table, put the chairs against the wall and you’re good to go. Creative Ireland with the help of choreographer Edwina Guckian, singer Cathy Jordan, musician Thomas Johnston and storyteller Mikel Murfi are putting together weekly video workshops from May 18th that will make sure you have all you need for a great night of traditional music, song, dance and storytelling. The children at Áirc Damhsa will also be showcasing daily their preparations for Céilí in the Kitchen with videos of performances and tutorials for you to enjoy. The whole family can learn together and then on the 13th of June share your Céilí using #CreativeIreland.
https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/event/ceili-in-the-kitchen/
https://www.aircdamhsa.com/ceili
- Let’s Go Fly a Kite – A collective call to action for children, young people and their families to make and fly a kite for Cruinniú.
The Design and Crafts Council Ireland have joined forces with Creative Ireland to design a kite that anyone can make at home. All you need is some sticks, some newspaper, some string and a whole lot of imagination. Why not decorate in your county colours, or decorate it with pictures of your favourite pop star? From the 15th May, a series of webinars and videos will guide you and your family through fun ways to make a kite.
https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/event/lets-go-fly-a-kite/
- Create a Video Game App – If you could click your fingers and create a video game app, what would it be? A racing game or a coin collector? A target game or a platform? The choice is endless and it’s time for you to decide.
https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/event/create-a-video-game/
In addition, local authorities will also be hosting a range of cultural and creative activities and online events for Cruinniú na nÓg – full details of the 300+ events available on our special Cruinniú website https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/
Many thanks
Tania Banotti
Clár Éire Ildánach
Creative Ireland Programme Office
Áras an tSeoighigh, 8-11 Sráid Lombard Thoir, Baile Átha Cliath 2.
Joyce House, 8-11 Lombard Street East, Dublin 2.