From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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Minister for Tourism, Culture, Art, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD, is calling on all children and young people to fire up their imaginations and take part in some of the hundreds of free Cruinniú na nÓg events that will take place on Saturday 12 June 2021.
Now in its fourth year, Cruinniú na nÓg celebrates and encourages participation by children and young people in creative activities. Most of the events are led by the local Creative Ireland Programme teams across the 31 local authorities, with huge support from locally based creatives in the areas of arts, heritage, STEAM and even TikTok.
With over 600 online events to choose from this year, there really is something for everyone. From creating art out of disused drinks cans to investigating invertebrates on a Dublin Zoo webinar; to making willow lanterns and catapults at home to a Deb’s TikTok drama as Gaelige, Cruinniú na nÓg 2021 is going to be a busy day. With a strong emphasis on participation, there are lots of starter workshops specially designed to spark an interest and encourage young people to have a wonderful creative adventure!
Some of the highlights of this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg include:
Nenagh Children’s Film Festival: Join the Nenagh Children’s Film Festival for a programme of short films, animations and feature films from all over the world, or go behind the scenes with workshops, interviews and watch the work of young first time filmmakers from Ireland. https://www.nenagharts.com
Garageland: This wonderful project gives over 100 young Irish bands the opportunity to step out of their bedrooms and onto a dedicated online TV channel www.garageland.ie. Join these great young musicians along with a superb line up of special guests and industry professionals all there to inspire and support young musicians.
Let’s Dance: Dance Ireland asked Ireland’s young dance artists what they wanted to do for Cruinniú na nÓg and they said more hip hop. To see just what these young dancers came up with go to www.danceireland.ie #LetsDance
Beat Your Drum: Drummer Brian Fleming and the Glór Arts Centre in Clare have delivered an international drumming programme that started in Ireland on the bodhrán and has travelled the globe utilising the indigenous drums of Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe. Join in the fun on www.glor.ie
Céilí in the Kitchen: Building on the success of last year’s event that had thousands of young people dancing and playing Irish music in their own homes, we have joined forces again with Áirc Damsha to bring the joy of traditional Irish culture to kitchens here and around the world.
TG4, with support from the Gaeltacht division of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has produced a unique series of Irish language projects including small tailor made features for Cúla 4, Cruthaím 33 which champions the talents of 33 young people and on the day itself a TikTok Debs fairy tale from the award winning writer Philip Doherty.
Online supports and resources are provided by the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with the Airfield Estate, Nenagh Children’s Film Festival, Garageland, Dance Ireland, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Áirc Damhsa, Glór and RTÉ to enable children and young people to unleash their creativity.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Art, Tourism, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD said:
"In four short years Cruinniú na nÓg has become a highlight in the creative calendar for Ireland’s young people. This unique and important initiative enables my Department to deliver on our promise to develop the creative potential of every child and to give them the sense of accomplishment that comes from participating in activities that trigger their imaginations and showcase their talents. Cruinniú na nÓg is an exciting opportunity to try something new, broaden horizons and meet new people. Enjoy!"
Cruinniú na nÓg is co-funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and welcoming the beginning of this year’s events, Minister Darragh O’Brien said:
"Each of the activities and events have been carefully curated by our network of dedicated Culture and Creativity teams across the country. I would like to particularly thank the 31 local authorities who have been enthusiastic partners on this event since 2018. My department are delighted to support the many creative practitioners and youth organisations who have helped to make this exciting day of youthful creativity for young people a brilliant success."
Director General of RTÉ, Dee Forbes said:
"RTÉ is delighted to once again play our part in supporting such a wonderful and varied Cruinniú na nÓg programme which provides an important creative outlet for children and young people. Great positivity can come from encouraging creativity and self-expression in our youngest citizens, particularly after a challenging year where creative opportunities like this have been hard to come by. The very best of luck to all involved."
Full event details for Cruinniú na nÓg are available at creativeireland.gov.ie.