A Donegal theatre is to reach out across the border to connect people from both sides of the community.
AGD Gweedore Theatre in the Donegal Gaeltacht is partnering with the Waterside Theatre on the new cross border creative arts programme connecting people within Gaeltacht, Nationalist and Unionist communities on each side of the border.
Connection and community building lies at the heart of the new cross border creative arts programme with communities in Donegal and Londonderry/Derry combining artistic and creative talent, building professional skills in the arts and digital technologies and showcasing literary talent.
Paddy Harte, Chairperson of the International Fund for Ireland pictured with representatives of Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair and Waterside Theatre
(L-R Back Row) Jason Dunne, Andrew McNulty, Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríghde, Michael ó Duibhir, Stephen Barrett
(L-R Front Row) Pól Mac Cumhaill, Paddy Harte, Iain Barr.
Funding of over €100,000 has been provided by the International Fund for Ireland under the Communities in Partnership Programme (CIPP).
The programme comprises of three distinct but interconnected strands- performance and community dialogue, creative arts and digital technologies training and a series of creative writing and literary events.
Paddy Harte, Chairperson of the International Fund for Ireland, speaking at the launch of the Cross-border Creative Arts Programme
Paddy Harte, IFI Chair, said at the launch of the project: “This new cross border creative arts programme represents a new beginning, opening another avenue for communities to engage, to build bridges and to forge new connections, built on their
commonalities.
“Through the medium of the creative arts, literary and artistic expression, we are confident that this programme, spearheaded by two internationally renowned organisations committed to the promotion of the arts and community engagement, will have a deep and long-lasting impact on people that share an interest in the arts within communities both sides of the border.”
Iain Barr, Chief Executive of Waterside Theatre speaking at the launch of the Cross-border Creative Arts Programme
Speaking about the programme, Iain Barr, CEO of Waterside Theatre said: “The arts have an important role to play in
delivering the transformation of our society; arts and culture can strengthen communities, bring people together and remove social barriers.
“This partnership with Amharclann Gweedore is built on the foundation of shared vision, commitment and the belief in the power of the arts to foster understanding. ”
Pól Mac Cumhaill, Chairperson of Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair speaking at the launch of the Cross-border Creative Arts Programme
Pól Mac Cumhaill, Chairperson of Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair said: “The opportunity to partner with Waterside Theatre is exciting and the programme that we have jointly designed is innovative and beneficial to each area.
“Both theatres are inclusive spaces and we welcome every opportunity to share the language, cultural and literary heritage, that is unique to our communities north and south.”
Paddy Harte Chairperson of the International Fund for Ireland pictured with Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríghde and Áine NíChurráín of Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair
(L-R) Damien Mc Keever, Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríghde, Paddy Harte and Michéal Ó Duibhir
The professional play ‘Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme,’ by Donegal playwright Frank McGuinness is among the showcase elements of the programme.
The staging and performance of the play at AGD Gweedore, at the Waterside Theatre, and at four additional community arts venues north and south, will enable both organisations to connect actors and artists in both communities. The programme will also facilitate a post-performance dialogue session, with participants and attendees invited to engage and share their perspectives on the play.
(L-R) John MacGowan and Drew White pictured at the launch of the Cross-border Creative Arts Programme
Jackie Barr, Iain Barr and Annette Shanks pictured at the launch of the Cross-border Creative Arts Programme
Further to this, a 12-week Creative Arts and Digital Technologies programme will enable participants to gain practical hands-on experience in arts management practices. A Creative Writing Programme and Literary Events will connect writers and authors through workshops and participation in literary festivals.
