Creative Places Ballaghaderreen

Awarded Research & Development Award for November 2023 - November 2024.

Project Email: creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com
Instagram: @creative_placesballaghaderreen
Facebook: Creative Places Ballaghaderreen
Project Blog by artist-researcher Dr. Anna King: www.annaking.ie/artistresearch-residency

Project Details

The Research & Development Award in Ballaghaderreen, where opportunities to take part in the arts are not on a scale consistent with the town size; will examine the cultural strengths, interests and needs of Ballaghaderreen through participatory action-research with a Steering Group of nominated representatives from local organisations, and will develop a foundation of socially engaged arts practice with an Artist-Research Team to support the creativity of a growing, diverse community.

Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is supported by the Arts Council, Creative Ireland, Roscommon County Council and its partners.

Findings from the Year in Ballagh

Key Reflection from the year: Give time for relationships and ideas to form and develop.

The project engaged Artist-Researchers Nollaig Molloy, Julie Sharkey and Anna King in year-long residencies to deliver socially engaged sessions with the local community. A wide array of different workshops and events happened during the year as part of Creative Places Ballaghaderreen.

The year really highlighted the need for TIME to engage with a community. For the Artist-Researchers this meant slowing down, meeting people where they are at and flexibility in their approaches to deliver creative workshops and responsive events.

Having a longer residency meant there was the opportunity to work in this slow, reflective way which allowed things to grow organically. Artist-Researcher Nollaig described it as to “work at the speed of building trust.” Artist-Researcher Julie reflected “to have a plan and then let go of the plan.”

Julie worked with the Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre where a small group of four women was formed ‘Circle do Mná / Women's Circle’ from Ukraine, Netherlands and Ireland. This small group offered a safe space to explore each other's stories and reasons for coming to Ireland. Over 4 weeks, they imagined and developed characters, created stories from photographs, tried Object Theatre and improvised, wrote sensory and acrostic poems and discussed the influence music has on storytelling.

The local steering group met quarterly considering the programme as it developed and proposed steps to widen the audience getting involved. Going directly to targeted groups and organisations helped access to the arts, including more of the community in the programme.

Rich Heritage: Celebrating the area's Resources and Reconnecting with Place

Looking to the past, exploring the place and heritage of Ballaghaderreen, it was the tangible (sites and objects) and intangible heritage (memories, stories and local figures) that are important themes and of interest to the people of Ballaghaderreen.

Throughout the year we celebrated the resources already in the area. From feedback, this reconnection with place had people appreciating it anew through the eyes of a non-local. For some they got to visit sites within their locality they had never been to before. This was particularly evident on the reflective walks around local heritage spots led by Anna.

The Cut, was an outdoor event collaboratively developed by Anna and Nollaig. Placing the site in its historical context, an area which fuelled a hydro turbine powering the town from 1913 to the early 1930's, Nollaig shared archive materials on the origins and construction the site. It also housed an an outdoor swimming pool, once a focal point for gathering and interaction for the community in the 1970s and 1980s. Anna, who also discussed the symbolism of the river, invited the community to share personal stories about the pool. These narratives highlighted the profound and enduring bond between people and place. 

Bringing the site into the present, a catchment scientist from LAWPRO (Local Access Water Programme) Noreen Shyrane provided an environmental observation by discussing the water quality of the Lung and demonstrated how to test water. Nollaig then hosted a workshop with clay sourced from the Cut, which literally connected participants to the space, and the event concluded with local artists presented their own artwork influenced by the area, showcasing how the site still continues to inspire.

Linking heritage to contemporary issues, such as the environment / climate crisis, is valuable. For St Nathy’s Green Schools Project Biodiversity Day, Anna delivered a workshop on Cultivating Hope in an Environmental Crisis for young people. 

The arts enable people to express, reflect on the past and empower as they navigate local issues. The Artist-Researchers encountered themes of loneliness and disconnect. There is sadness from loss of community and heritage spaces and a fear of unique local knowledge disappearing.
During the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival, Nollaig shared research through photography, film and conversation on the history, contents and workers of the local Powerhouse building. It drew attention to the connections between people, archive objects, land and industry: “Brilliant feedback from this expo. A real ‘Trip back in time’. Great memories of bygone Ballagh days” – feedback from Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 24.
Anna's Reflective Heritage Exhibition included heartfelt contributions from the community - audio recorded stories and memories, vintage photos from the Michael Gallagher Collection, donated memorabilia by local residents, as well as folklore gathered during the residency: “The feedback has been incredible. Some serious historical and nostalgic chords hit at the Reflective Walk and Exhibition in The Shambles. Well done to Anna King & Eithne Gallagher Photos for a tangible trip back in time #brilliant” – feedback from Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 24.
“A lovely, beautifully presented nostalgic look at old Ballaghaderreen” – Online public comment.

There is an appetite for activities and events which preserve and reimagine the local heritage and make Ballagh’s history living and interactive. Working with St Nathys, Anna began an exploration of local historical figure Anna Deane (1834-1905), a pioneering entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a key figure in the fight for tenants’ rights in Ireland. This research has developed into an ongoing 2025 Creative Ireland project titled ‘The Cherry Blossom Tales’.

It was clear during the year that a broad view of art and culture - to include wellness, heritage, landscape and the social history of Ballaghaderreen and reconnecting with place - is a good fit here.

Connection - Opportunities and Spaces to gather and get to know each other, to connect and collaborate, and showcase and share

There is tremendous support available in the area. Taking time to walk around the community, meet people for tea and build trust was extremely important, it then gained momentum. A sense of community passion and spirit was evident at events such as the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival, Rambling House and Culture Night in Edmondstown and 3-of-Arts Showcase.

During the consultation event, the Creative Places approach was noted to have enabled community conversations in a different way. As the year went on, more people joined the journey as we all came to better understand the potential for Creative Places Ballaghaderreen. It acted as a frame for different groups, bringing them together to creatively imagine what a Creative Place in Ballaghaderreen could be:

“Because it kind of held the groups together. It’s given us a frame, it holds us close… and there's more of a buzz around the place with the arts especially.” - Local at the Community Consultation event.

The importance of public and community spaces for local gathering was continually highlighted to help forge relationships, create a sense of community and belonging, share knowledge and resources, celebrate their unique heritage, and for local artists to meet and collaborate with each other. We connected with the Ballaghaderreen Community Garden, which is a valuable community focal point and outdoor location used by numerous different community groups. The relationship between artists and their own community was also highlighted. 

Julie held drama sessions with Brothers of Charity, Ballaghaderreen, and the group grew in size to include service users from the hinterlands of Castlerea, Boyle and Strokestown. They mapped out the businesses from one end of the town to the next, places they loved, places they didn’t, places they often went to or hardly went to.

For St Bridget’s Day, Nollaig used locally-collected rushes for paper-making sessions incorporating dried, flower petals, seed, and plants; and during St Nathy’s Biodiversity day she held hedgerow clay workshops. Both aimed to ignite interest and awareness of natural resources, time and labour in the area. With Ballaghaderreen Mens Shed she underwent mind-mapping, research into townlands and archive materials, site visits, and held memory object activities; and she hosted print workshops with participants at the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) centre. These sessions led onto other activities at the centre, such as Pyrography wood-burning workshops with artist Vincent Hunt.

The unique characteristics about Ballaghaderreen in the community survey were THE PEOPLE and the DIVERSITY IN THE AREA. In workshop responses, people noted making new connections. It was also shared that it can be difficult to find places to mix, particularly for those whose first language is not English.

Pop-up events gave people a taste of creativity and by creating indirect ways for people to meet these are good structures to facilitate community connection. Artists also noted the value in having consistent, visible points of contact on the ground coordinating and hosting local activities.

Local Creative Talent

A growing local artist network began to develop through various avenues: bi-monthly Artist Meets, a local artist WhatsApp group (hosted by the town team) and mailing list. This network highlighted that artists want more opportunities to meet, have space to show and make work, and want to build connections and collaborate with each other. It is an eager, diverse, multi-skilled group and could be a creative nucleus for development in the local arts scene:

“....this needs gentle fostering and encouragement in order to flourish once again. Artists working amongst the community is a crucial keystone in doing so and injects some vital inspiration and optimism in Ballagh’s artistic scene.” - Local artist feedback

It is important to invest in supporting local artists’ connectivity. One such highlight was the 3-of-Arts Collaborative Commission which engaged 9 local artists into 3 teams of different disciplines Visual, Literature and Music, and to inform each other's work. In keeping with the programme themes they responded to the phrase ‘This is the Place’. It showcased to the public on Culture Night, at Spells Bar. The response was positive from both the commissioned artists, particularly around inspiring each other, and the audience. An online leaflet is available here: 3 of Arts Collaborative Arts Commission 2024 | Flipbook

Artists having opportunities to meet up can have ripples such as the Local Artist Exhibition led by the established Ballaghaderreen Community Art Group, which included work from around 33 different artists held during the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival August 2024. 

Other groups and established organisations in the area were also supported during the year in funding, or as partner to larger Arts Council applications to expand events. Such as the Culture Night Late @ the Palace event with Slí na Croí and Edmondstown House.

Buzz about Ballagh

People need and appreciate good news stories. The online presence, documentation and showcase of events and workshops is helping to contribute to a referred ‘Buzz About Ballagh’. This is good promotion for the town, and can contribute to reframing the narrative of the area.

It is important to continue exploring best approaches to increase visibility and accessibility of art and culture in the town.

Having the Artist Researchers share their reflections from events helps to build momentum after the events are finished and allows them echoes, another life with those who could not attend with an opportunity to see what happened. Have a look at the Online Heritage Exhibition and this video Youtube: This Place is a Powerhouse on the Powerhouse building, both stemming from live-events held during the Ballaghaderreen Arts festival.

Podcast episodes sharing local artists’ practices is invaluable promotion for artists. Check out this episode on local visual artist Maria May, created by Artist-Researcher Anna King: PLACEWAYS Podcast

“Provided me as an artist with plenty of exposure on my practice as well as ways to connect it further with local area and community” – Local Artist

Events

October / November Events

You are invited to our final community consultation event as part of Creative Places Ballaghaderreen R&D.
Located in St. Nathy's Hall, Ballaghaderreen.

Schedule:

• ARTS ACTIVITIES FEEDBACK SESSION - 11.30am to 1.15pm - Take part and enjoy some reflective arts activities facilitated by artists Dani Gill and Conor Burke including trail, word clouds, Ballaghaderreen mapping and wishes for the future!
• 1.15pm. Mindfulness and intention activity with Anna King.
• CELEBRATION AFTERNOON - 1.30pm to 2.30pm - Enjoy some imagery from the year, Chats and Tea/Coffee & Lunch Refreshments available.

Thank you to all who attended our final community consultation event!

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The next Artist Meet will be held at the Shambles Ballaghaderreen on Saturday 12th October 11am - 12.30pm.

Get to know creatives and artists living in and around Ballaghaderreen.

There is an opportunity for two artists to share their work and process to the group.

We will be chatting about the year with Creative Places Ballaghaderreen, and the Artist Network what is the future and what do you hope from it if it continues?

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Launch of PLACEWAYS podcast
Anna King in collaboration with Creative Places Ballaghaderreen

Welcome to PLACEWAYS, an art podcast series hosted by Dr. Anna King in collaboration with Creative Places Ballaghaderreen. This podcast explores the intricate ways in which places are known, imagined, felt, and remembered. With a conversational and intimate style, the podcast will feature artists, creatives and community stories - both personal and collective.

In this debut episode, we are delighted to be joined by the talented visual artist Maria May. Together, we will uncover how her work reflects deep connections to place, and how her art helped her navigated her way through personal grief.

Available: Link to PLACEWAYS Podcast

Image above - ‘For You’, An Immersive Artwork. Copyright: Maria May - No copy is allowed without permission. 

If you would like to get involved, email Anna: creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com

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Open Call: Community Consultation Commission
Creative Installation or Activity

Deadline for Proposal: 3pm Friday 11th October.
Event date for installation / activity: 10th November 2024.
Award: An award of €2,500 is available for one artist or divided among a group of artists, depending on proposals.

Commission Brief available: Commission Brief click here

Submissions should be 2 pages max. Visuals where relevant are welcomed.
The successful proposal/s will be considered by members of the project Steering Group together with Roscommon County Council Arts Office based on the following criteria:
• Reflect on its relevance to the Creative Places R&D phase (40/100);
• Engagement with the community (40/100);
• Artist/Creative experience (20/100).

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September Events

The Cut at the Lung River

RESCHEDULED: Sunday 22 September, 12pm - 14.30pm

You are warmly invited to drop-in and attend the event 'The Cut' on the banks of the Lung River, by artist-researchers Nollaig Molloy and Anna King. 
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/the-cut-on-the-lung-river 
Nollaig will explore the origins and construction of 'The Cut' on the river, a site which fueled a hydro turbine that powered the town of Ballaghaderreen from 1913 to the early 1930's. Together with archival material, locally dug clay, local sharing of knowledge and environmental observations with the presence of a catchment scientist from LAWPRO (Local Access Water Programme), she will present tangible discoveries of place, natural resources and community.

Anna will reflect upon the symbolism of the Lung River, which represents the timeless flow of life weaving through land and townscapes, nourishing ecosystems, and connecting communities. She will draw on personal stories from the Ballaghaderreen community about 'The Cut’s' outdoor swimming pool, once a focal point for gathering and interaction in the 1970s and 1980s. These narratives will highlight the profound relevance of 'PLACEWAYS' and the enduring bond between people and place.
Note: The event is located in a field with areas of uneven terrain, please dress appropriately for the site and weather. There is limited car parking available. No booking required.  

Images from 'the Cut' event

Above Image: In a field near the Cut on the Lung River, a group gather to reflect upon the symbolism of the Lung River
and the memories of the space. People were invited to share with the group. Image Credit Nollaig Molloy.

Above Image: Nollaig's research on the Power House and Lung River. 

Above Image: LAWPRO scientist Noreen Shyrane discussing water quality of the Lung, how to test water, and LAWPRO projects. Image Credit Nollaig Molloy.

Above Image: Items created by participants of Nollaig's clay workshop. Image Credit Nollaig Molloy.

Above Image: Local artist's reflections of the Lung River, Conor O'Connell painting. Image Credit Nollaig Molloy.

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Culture Night @ the Palace

Mark your calendars for Culture Night @ the Palace at Edmondstown House with Slí na Croí.
Building on the success of the music event held there as part of Culture Night 2023, this open-to-all festival event will be held Friday 20th September!
Enjoy Music acts, stalls, Ballaghaderreen Community Art Group installation and experience the Creative Places Ballagh 3-of-Arts Collaborative Artist Commission. 
For more information: https://www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/event/creative-places-ballaghaderreen-culture-night-the-palace/  

3ofArts

A unique live event showcasing the collaborative work of artists from three different art disciplines.

Culture Night Sept 20th

Spells Bar

6pm – 7.30pm

Finishing on time to catch the FREE bus from town to continue your night at Edmondstown House for Culture Night @ The Palace
Bus must be booked with reception@theshambles.ie or call 0949862565.

3ofArts is a culmination of over 3 months of an inclusive, collaborative artistic project.

Visual artists will unveil original art works based on the theme 'This Must Be the Place'.
Writers and musicians will then present the writing and music they have created in response to this original art work

The audience will have an opportunity to see and hear first-hand the inspiration, thought process and creative energy that is required to produce original art works in any form.

A glorious celebration of Ballaghaderreen artists original work.

Visual Artists:
Eithne Gallagher
Conor O’Connell
Maria May Fleming

Writers:
Joe Egan
Geraldine Finn
Jane Casey

Musicians:
Wes Pollington
Chloe Ewings
Regina McDermott

Images from 3ofArts event.
Image Credit: Marek Patrovic.

Leaflet created outlining the artists experience collaborating and reflections on their own thought process to create a response form it. 
View on: 3 of Arts Collaborative Arts Commission 2024 | PDF to Flipbook

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August Events

The Rambling House

Friday 30th August -8pm to Late
Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the night through the open mic slots. The evening was full of surprise and emotion with witty spoken words and poetry, vulnerable stories and songs , traditional music, and even a spontaneous auctioneering section!

Rambling House Survey:

If you attended this event, can you help us capture the experience of the Rambling House through your feedback on this form:

https://forms.gle/ddjZZ6puHhRif9xcA

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- Marek Petrovič Photography

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Saturday 10 August, as part of the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival: 

THIS ARCHIVE IS A POWERHOUSE 

THIS ARCHIVE IS A POWERHOUSE is a Photography exhibition and conversational talk at Chapel Street, Ballaghaderreen. Nollaig Molloy has been researching the building's history, its contents and the people who worked there. To celebrate its history this event will draw attention to connections between people, archive objects, land and industry through photography and conversation. Drop in from 12pm - 3pm, with a Conversational talk on the exhibition with the artist 2pm-3pm. Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ballaghaderreenartsfestival/1292838?

THANK YOU to everyone you attended. Watch this video on the history and interior of the building: https://youtu.be/EF5JWEZZjPw?si=E--cQAM_W-7PapCz

Above credit Marek Petrovič Photography: Nollaig discussing with group the history of the building.

Above credit Image 1 & 2. Mary Smyth: Postcards of the museum artefacts by Nollaig Molloy available to visitors ; Newscuttings and articles on the history of the buildings use as a Powerhouse and school building. Image 3. Eithne Gallagher Photos: Group looking at the information.

Above credit Marek Petrovič Photography: Group discussing the building.

Above credit Images 1-5. Eithne Gallagher Photos; Image 6 credit Marek Petrovič Photography: Inside the Powerhouse.

PLACEWAYS – Heritage Exhibition and Walk

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Ballaghaderreen with Dr. Anna King's heritage walk beginning from 11.30am at The Creamery, followed by a unique exhibition at the Shambles curated in collaboration with Eithne Gallagher from 12.15pm. 
This 'must-see' exhibition includes heartfelt contributions from our local community - a series of audio recorded stories, memories, vintage photos from the Michael Gallagher Collection, and memorabilia donated by local residents - as well as the stories and folklore gathered during Anna's artist residency. 

The walk and exhibition were fully booked, but an online version of the Reflective Heritage Exhibition is now LIVE at:
https://www.annaking.ie/a-placeways-diary/creative-places-ballaghaderreen

Image credit: Eithne Gallagher Photos.

Park Life

Park Life @The Community Garden  Featuring an all-Ballaghaderreen cast, Park Life comprises three short 15 – 20-minute plays written and directed by Julie Sharkey.
Extra showings added for Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th August @ 11am & 1pm. Booked out.

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Local Artist Exhibition 

Opening Monday 5th August.

There is still time to catch the wonderful Local Artist Exhibition in the Phoenix Centre as part of the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival.

The exhibition is organised by Community Art Group Ballaghaderreen, which invited all local artists. There is a wide variety of work from paintings to photos and from sculptures to writing. 

More than 25 artists from different backgrounds are participating, showcasing the huge amount of talent in the Ballaghaderreen area!

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July Events

5 week En Plein Air Painting workshop

 

    

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DROP IN - Meet Anna & Share Your Stories 

Date: July 8th

Time: Anytime Between 5pm - 7.30pm

Location: Spells Bar - Upstairs Spells Bar Ballaghaderreen

Anna - in collaboration with Eithne Gallagher Photos is collecting stories about Monica Duff's store, and she needs your help! Pop in for an informal chat about your experiences & memories of Mon Duff's. We are also looking for physical items like bottles, labels, and anything else from the store, which will be displayed at the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival (items will be safely returned).

May Events

St. Nathy's College Ongoing School Engagement: 
Anne Deane - In collaboration with St. Nathy’s College, we are honored to celebrate the remarkable life of Anne Deane (1834-1905), a pioneering entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a key figure in the fight for tenants rights in Ireland. Over the coming months, Anna will be curating a series of blogs with visual stories, videos, and insightful audio clips bringing to life the research gathered on Anne Deane. Anna arranged a trip to Straide Abbey, where Anne is buried, Michael Davitt Museum with St. Nathy’s 2nd Class Art Students. We will have a physical exhibition in the Autumn for family, friends and our local community. 

May 16th Biodiversity Day -  St Nathy’s College invited Anna King and Nollaig Molloy to their ‘Biodiversity Day of Action.’ Anna facilitated a workshop on Cultivating Compassion & Hope During an Environmental Crisis - she has written a blog on the day. Nollaig facilitated a Hedgerow clay-making workshop. 
Article by Caroline O’Doherty, Irish Independent Environment Correspondent, outlining the day, panel discussions and workshops.

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Community Survey open - focused on Creativity in Ballagh.
Scan code in relevant language to fill, and you will be automatically added into a draw for two SEASON PASSES to this year's Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival!

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Ballaghaderreen May Day Fair

May 1st: Creative Workshops at the May Day Fair, Drama with Julie Sharkey and coil potting with Alclayme.

April Events

Tuesday 9th: Sense of Place Workshop, Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre
Thursday 11th: Artist Meet at Durkins
Saturday 13th: Sense of Place Workshop, The Shambles
April 30th: 6-week free Drumming Workshops with Slí na Croí begin at the Ozanam Centre

After the four ‘PLACEWAYS’ events are completed in March, Anna will return to the sites and gather items that represent the six senses, for her upcoming ‘Senses of Place Workshop.’
For more information on this event, and to book a space on the workshop see: https://www.annaking.ie/artistresearch-residency/creativeplaces 

March Events

Women's Circle, Introduction to Drama with Julie Sharkey

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PLACEWAYS: MAPPING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH PLACE - with Anna King.

The Ballagh community is warmly invited to join Anna in tracing a series of ‘PLACEWAYS’ during four contemplative walks which are commencing on March 6th. As participants navigate their way with Anna through the landscape, they will be encouraged to observe and describe various elements of their surroundings through their senses: plants, natural features, waterways, shapes, shadows, and structures.

While pathways refer to both tangible and observable routes taken to navigate through space, ‘PLACEWAYS’ also include the cultural, social, and emotional dimensions of people's relationships with a place. This might include the rituals, memories, stories, and personal connections associated with a particular location or may include how people perceive and interact with a place.

Each Walk Takes Approx 1 Hour 30 mins. The meeting point for the walk will be announced the week before the walk is due to take place. Keep an eye on our social media page for regular updates. Walk routes below.

Each walk starts at a unique cardinal direction (North, East, South, West) and we will trace our way to the Ballaghaderreen Community Garden.

See attached images for further information regarding the PLACEWAYS project and walk routes start locations, times and routes available on the attached. All routes end in the Community Garden.

Dates:

• Weds 6th March - 11.30am - East
• Sat 9th March - 2pm - South
• Tues 12th March - 11.30am - West
• Sat 23th March – 2pm – Additional walk for those with transport: Edmondstown House
• Sat 23th March – 2.45pm - North

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February Events

Thursday 1st February - book in for Papermaking at the Phoenix Youth Centre to celebrate Imbolc / St. Bridget's Day with artist Nollaig Molloy. 086 306 0539
Saturday 3rd February - An informal Artist Meet up at Durkins in Ballaghaderreen, 11-12pm.

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Launch of Creative Places Ballaghaderreen

Square One Café, The Square, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

Date: Saturday, 25th November 2023

Time: 3pm – 6pm

Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is a one-year research & development arts project in its initial phase of development. The project will involve artists Nollaig Molloy, Julie Sharkey and Anna King using socially engaged art practices to explore how local businesses, community groups and individuals can develop an inclusive, sustainable arts programme for the local area. The artists will work closely with Mary Smyth, who will coordinate the project on behalf of Roscommon County Council Arts Office.

 The team are keen to meet professional and non-professional artists (from all disciplines), as well as members of the general public who are interested in how the arts can contribute to building a strong local economy and community. "We aim to represent as many interests as possible: you may have an interest in the history of the GAA, or the role of art-based initiatives for improving bio-diversity, health and well-being; you might wish to work on a project that values the importance of place-making and heritage, or - how to develop Ballaghaderren’s built environment for more inclusive lived-experiences. All ideas are welcome!” 

“Please come along and share your dreams and creative aspirations with us over a cuppa. Together we will work towards curating a unique portfolio of arts programmes that will showcase Ballaghaderreen’s incredible talent, rich local history and prolific cultural resources.  We very much look forward to meeting you all - The kettle is on!” - Nollaig, Julie and Anna.

 Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is funded by the Arts Council and supported by Roscommon County Council in association with a steering committee made up of local groups from the area. Our approach aims to build on existing cultural strengths, and is guided by inclusive community principles.

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September 2023 Update

The Arts Team with a Steering group of local representatives are excited
to welcome and introduce the projects Artist Researchers.

Dr. Anna King

Website: www.annaking.ie 

Anna is a published author with over 20 years experience as a content curator, freelance journalist and creative writer. A fully qualified (PhD) ethnographer she has extensive practical experience of working with arts-based action research methods.

Her thesis: An Alternative Gathering: Public Space and Shared Agency in the Lived Experience of Multicultural Ireland was fully funded by a highly prestigious Irish Research Council Award. It explored the importance of place, heritage and arts-based methodologies in building communities in culturally diverse social settings.

Nollaig Molloy

Website: www.nollaigmolloy.com

Nollaig is a visual artist working with sculptural installation, animation, video and performance. She has extensive experience in collaborative and participatory arts with younger and older people. Over the past few years, she has worked as an artist and researcher on various projects which have investigated intersections between art making, craft, land use and archives.

Site-specific interests are formed from an exploration into 'materials-to-hand'; natural materials gleaned from the land which have fueled folk and industrial customs, local stories and language, and from speaking with experts in many fields which contribute to the research and in developing artistic ideas. Nollaig wishes to experiment with methodologies working with the community to build a sense of ownership with the place. 

Julie Sharkey

Julie is a theatre maker, drama facilitator from Ballaghaderreen. Recent theatre work includes a National Tour of her first play written for 5 – 8 year olds: An Ant Called Amy (Oct 2022), co-produced by Roscommon Arts Centre with support from Arts Council of Ireland; and a main role in In the Midst of Plenty (June 2022) a new folk musical by Amy Day.

For nearly twenty years, she has worked in the area of Arts and Disability with the HSE in Cork and more recently with Daughters of Charity and St. Michael’s House in Dublin.  

She works predominantly through drama and story and feels this opportunity allows the needed time to create connection, develop trust and to create a vision for Creative Places Ballaghaderreen. She was part of the development of Ballaghaderreen's first arts festival this August 'BallaghDream Arts Fest' and believes the area is craving for positive cultural and creative activity.    

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June 2023 Update

Project Announcement

The town of Ballaghaderreen is one of seven locations set to benefit from Arts Council funding as part of a Creative Places initiative worth a total of €1.7m to be shared between the successful applicants. 

This announcement brings to a total of seventeen the number of Creative Places funded since 2020. Ballaghaderreen is one of three locations to receive research awards to develop their ‘Creative Places’ along with Edgeworthstown in County Longford and Ballyconnell in County Cavan also to receive funding.

The funding enables artists to work with local businesses, community groups and individuals enabling sustained and vibrant cultural activity in the chosen areas. The Arts Council’s funding to date amounts to €4m, building from the launch of the Creative Places pilot in Tuam in 2020. 

Welcoming the announcement, Rhona McGrath, Arts Officer with Roscommon County Council said her office together with local partners are delighted to have been successful in receive the Creative Place R&D project funding will enable work to begin this summer.

“Roscommon County Council Arts Office is thrilled to receive funding for Creative Places R&D. We are working as part a diverse group of committed partners to consider investment in community-focused arts research. This funding will help address the current lack of arts infrastructure and provision in Ballaghaderreen. Our vision is to Build a Better Ballaghaderreen where the arts and creativity are central to a vibrant, diverse and proud community”, said Ms. McGrath.

 A spokesperson for the Creative Places Ballaghaderreen Working Group has expressed their organisation's delight on receiving funding, claiming the announcement “will contribute to a wider, diverse effort to improve local opportunities to engage in the arts. In particular the funding will enable a better understanding of the evolving and new community profile in the Ballaghaderreen area and its particular interests and needs in relation to arts and culture”, said the local spokesperson.

Creative Places is an opportunity for places to build local arts programmes which will benefit all people who live in these areas and communities. It builds on existing cultural strengths by enabling local artists to lead an inclusive, diverse programme that is rooted in socially engaged practice and community development principles.  

The Arts Council-led programme is underpinned by a commitment in its Making Great Art Work 2016–2025 strategy to increase engagement in the arts, whereby the Arts Council invests directly in a place and its people, working with key local partners to uncover each location’s key assets, resources and ambitions. 

Director of the Arts Council, Maureen Kennelly, said her organisation was “committed to a vision of access to the arts no matter where you live in Ireland. Our Creative Places programme is critical for the Arts Council, as it gives people access to the arts in their own communities for the first time. This is an artist-led programme but is collaborative in nature, and we could not do this without the commitment of local agencies, which include local authorities, community development organisations, arts organisations and local communities themselves”, said Ms. Kennelly.