THE National Gallery of Ireland is delighted to announce that Coláiste Mhichíl, Limerick is one of three post-primary schools selected to participate in an exciting new education initiative, Your Gallery at School. Bringing art directly to schools across the country, this holistic outreach programme marks the extension of the Gallery’s partnership with global aircraft leasing company SMBC Aviation Capital. Following a call out this summer, the other two post-primary schools to take part are: Youthreach Leixlip, Kildare; and Ennistymon Vocational School, Clare.
In Autumn 2021, the Gallery will work with these three post-primary schools to create a tailored programme of activities, appropriate for the students’ ages and school levels. With a focus on learning through and about art, wellbeing and creative careers, Your Gallery at School comprises individual practical workshops, sensory sessions, talks and Q&As for selected schools.
The programme includes Learning through and about art – a practical workshop inspired by the national collection; Wellbeing- a sensory session focusing on slow looking and mindfulness; and Creative Careers – a talk and Q&A with Gallery staff and an established artist, enabling students to learn about a variety of arts careers.
The Gallery is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent engagement with art in Ireland, and so Your Gallery at School will engage with young people who may not usually be able to visit the Gallery or who may face barriers in accessing culture. The Gallery will also run two exclusive webinar workshops for all schools that applied to take part in Your Gallery at School – a Creative Careers workshop for students, and a Continuing Professional Development workshop for teachers.
Peter Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, commented, “SMBC Aviation Capital is proud to support the National Gallery of Ireland in this innovative and important programme, bringing Your Gallery at School to children who may not usually be able to engage with the Gallery. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that this programme will bring to those taking part.”
The first phase of Your Gallery at School – for which the Gallery worked with three primary schools in Donegal, Dublin and Sligo – took place in Spring and Summer of this year. More details can be found at nationalgallery.ie.
