Spray painting, sun and abstract performance: Cruinniú na nÓg launches in Limerick

IRELAND is the first country in the world to celebrate a national day dedicated to free creativity for children and young people, with this year’s launch taking place in Limerick. 

Cruinniú na nÓg is an annual, nationwide initative that encourages children and young people under 18 to participate in creative activities. This year, it is taking place on Saturday, June 7, across the country, with over 1,000 free events set to kick off.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland, Patrick O’Donovan, launched this year's initiative in the heart of his home city at King John’s Castle, this Friday, June 9.

There was a live performance by the Irish Chamber Youth Orchestra, and also County Limerick Youth Theatre, who celebrated their 30th anniversary, also performed an abstract performance under the blazing sun in the stony courtyard of the medieval castle.

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Minister O’Donovan said: “This year Cruinniú na nÓg promises an exciting and inclusive programme - from filmmaking to circus workshops, song writing to sensory events.

“These 1000+ events wouldn’t be possible without the outstanding work of our local authority culture and creativity teams.

“I’m delighted that Cruinniú continues to foster cross-community creative collaboration in the spirit of the Shared Island initiative, offering young people opportunities to engage in creative activities, build new relationships, and bring communities together.”

PICTURES: Alan Place

The Irish Chamber Youth Orchestra, who performed at the launch will also have a unique concert on June 7, at Glórach Theatre in Abbeyfeale, while County Limerick Youth Theatre is performing in Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, Co Kerry and has a show at the end of May in the Honey Fitz theatre, Lough Gur.

Artistic director at County Limerick Youth Theatre, Katie O’Rourke, said: “We are very excited to be a part of this, it’s a great opportunity for young people from rural Limerick to perform on June 7 in Tralee, alongside three other youth theatres.

“They are also taking part in a European project in July, where 17 of our members are going to Finland for 10 days to collaborate and explore.”

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Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Youth Plan, aiming to integrate creativity into education and expand access to creative activities for young people outside school. The first year was 2018.

The objective of the day is to empower children’s creativity, create momentum for widespread participation, and raise awareness about the value of encouraging creativity in young people.

Cruinniú na nÓg is in partnership with Creative Ireland, who works to expand the event’s reach and variety. Additionally, this year’s partners are: Waterford Walls, Youth Theatre Ireland, and the Irish Street Art and Spectacle Network (ISACS).