The Donegal County Library has announced that it is collaborating with three local schools as part of the Creative Schools initiative, a flagship program of the Creative Ireland Programme.
This initiative, which aims to foster the creative potential of every child, is led by the Arts Council in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
The Creative Schools initiative empowers schools and centres to place the arts and creativity at the core of children’s and young people’s lives. Creative February recognises that our schools are truly creative places, filled with very creative people.
Pupils of Bruckless National School with guests at the Creative Schools event in the Donegal Central Library, Letterkenny on Thursday. Picture: Declan Doherty
This year’s theme is ‘Make Your Mark’ and aims to inspire children and young people to be brave enough to explore their ideas and share them with others.
The Donegal County Library are showcasing the incredible artistic talent and imagination of students from Cnoc na Naomh in Gortahork, Scoil Cholmcille in Letterkenny, and Bruckless National School.
The underlying theme for Creative February 2025 is ‘nature’. Nature has always been a powerful source of inspiration for creativity and reflection and, as February marks the beginning of spring, this theme will encourage students and school communities to reflect on the changing of the seasons and how creativity can evolve and flourish in our lives, in every class and in every school.
Pupils of Scoil Chnoc na Naomh, Derryconnor, at the Creative Schools event in Donegal Central Library on Thursday. Picture: Declan Doherty
At Cnoc na Naomh, nestled in the picturesque Irish-speaking countryside, students came together to create an awe-inspiring collaborative art installation. Each of the 88 children contributed their unique piece, resulting in a collective masterpiece that reflects their creativity and shared appreciation for nature.
Scoil Cholmcille, a vibrant school in Letterkenny with a multicultural student body, has crafted a striking honeycomb installation. Ninety students designed hexagons that celebrate their diverse identities, symbolizing community and collaboration, inspired by the unity found within a beehive.
Bruckless N.S., located along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, has embraced the diversity among its students through art. Their project, inspired by the iconic St. John’s Point Lighthouse, demonstrated how art can bridge language barriers.
The Donegal County Library say that they are proud to support these initiatives that not only nurture artistic skills but also foster communication, collaboration, and a sense of belonging among students. The impact of creativity on children’s learning, development, and well-being cannot be overstated, and this collaboration is an important step towards realising this vision.
