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The Imaginarium Centre, Newry is hosting one-day event later this month to explore the role of the arts in children’s lives. 'Invisible Borders' takes place on Wednesday 29 March and will explore the cultural identity of border communities, and how creativity can inspire positive change. It will also show why the arts and creative play is a key element in ensuring we raise happy, confident, and capable children.
A spokesperson for the Imaginarium explained "Our vision is that children living in the north of Ireland have the right to engage in and enjoy age-appropriate arts and cultures experiences within their own community. We also believe every child has the right to play and to have a safe and happy childhood."
Organisers are inviting artists, teachers, politicians, community, and cultural leaders to engage in a day of lively discussion, practical engagement, and a chance to see first-hand the impact the arts can have on the lives of children.
On the day they will welcome world renowned experts in the field of children’s arts to Newry, explore working practice both in Ireland and in Europe, and share our own experiences working within an international context, sharing our experience of creating the first dedicated children’s arts venue and theatre within Northern Ireland in a border area and why spaces for children are so important.
They will also take look at policy in both the UK and Ireland (north and south) and how we work, as a sector, what we can learn from crossing borders and boundaries and what are the opportunities as well as challenges.
This event will be a practical reflection of where we are as a sector, where we need to go and what we have learnt along the way.
Keynote speakers include Vicky Ireland MBE - Action for Children’s Arts UK, Kate Robinson - Ken Robinson Foundation / Imagine if... and Grainne Powell - Sticky Fingers Arts and the Imaginarium Centre will be joined by Politicians, Community and Cultural Leaders and Artists for an open floor discussion.
There will be a practical workshop with local school children and young people who will help direct and shape where we go next. What the “border” means to them and what obstacles do they face (if any) in accessing arts and cultural activity.
To book or for more information email info@imaginarium-ni.co.uk
