Pictured at the official launch of the Artswell Theatre Initiative Project which took place Wednesday 12 October, were Joe Hanratty, Dr Gillian Kenny, Rosemary Farrell IFI, Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht and Carmel Rudden at the Iontas Resource Centre in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. The project which represents an important community reconciliation initiative for the town of Castleblayney and the surrounding area, was officially opened by Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht. Picture by Philip Fitzpatrick.

Minister Deenihan in Monaghan to officially launch the Artswell Theatre Initiative   

The official launch of the Artswell Theatre Initiative Project took place today, Wednesday 12 October, 2011 at the Iontas Resource Centre in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.  The project which represents an important community reconciliation initiative for the town of Castleblayney and the surrounding area, was officially opened by Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht.

Building on its experiences over the past five years, the Artswell Community Drama Group have now developed and devised an innovative 18 month Theatre Initiative, which will use drama, summer schools and workshops to deliver a message of peace and reconciliation to those participating in the drama productions and the wider community through audience numbers. Funded primarily by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), under its Building Foundations’ Community Based Economic and Social Regeneration Programme, the project is designed to apply a proven and engaging methodology of working with drama and the arts among people from both sides of the community and border.  It is hoped that the project will lead to further ongoing peace and reconciliation activities in the area, which will become self-sustaining beyond the lifetime of the funding.

The newly launched Artswell Theatre Initiative will reach out and include all generations from both sides of the community and this will be achieved by the development of theatre groups for Adults (30 participants), Young People (30 participants) and Children (60 participants).  All of these groups will work on producing professional quality drama pieces with themes of peace and reconciliation, understanding difference, respecting other cultures and integration. These drama pieces will be performed for local audiences and will be promoted to both communities on both sides of the border.

Speaking at the official launch of the Artswell Theatre Initiative, Minister Deenihan said: “This initiative will encourage artistic collaboration between professional theatre practitioners. The experience of working with a broad range of students will provide artists with an opportunity to enrich their own professional practice. Collaborations such as this help participants to hone their skills through live performance in plays and musicals in the Iontas Theatre. I also have no doubt that this scheme will instil a sense of pride in the wider community, along with encouraging new friendships which performing in other locations will bring.”  

The newly launched Artswell Theatre Initiative will reach out and include all generations from both sides of the community and this will be achieved by the development of theatre groups for Adults (30 participants), Young People (30 participants) and Children (60 participants).  All of these groups will work on producing professional quality drama pieces with themes of peace and reconciliation, understanding difference, respecting other cultures and integration. These drama pieces will be performed for local audiences and will be promoted to both communities on both sides of the border.

In attendance at the launch, International Fund for Ireland Board member, Rose-Mary Farrell said: “As a local woman myself, I know how great a shadow was cast by the legacy of the Troubles over our communities.  I believe the arts and theatre in particular can play a tremendous role in helping to address these challenging issues.  Theatre helps us share our stories – and to hear both sides of the story.”

Ms Farrell added: “I would like to commend the dedicated staff and volunteers from Artswell Castleblayney whose commitment and vision have brought us here today.  The International Fund is delighted to support such initiatives as launched today which bring people together on a cross-community and cross-border basis, encouraging them to share their stories and experiences, and to work together to build a shared future.”

Ms Farrell also expressed a collective thanks to the international donors who have supported the work of the International Fund for Ireland for almost twenty-five years: namely, the United States of America, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Today’s event was well attended by government representatives, councillors, community leaders and distinguished guests.  As part of the launch event, guests were treated to a brief musical performance from the local children’s theatre group.

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