democratic arts

  • Fragments of a daydreamer

    On Daydreaming and sitting at tables Truth-The pursuit of it, or whatever that means. I’m still transfixed by it, still deep in projects exploring truth, stories, and memory. So here I am again, musing over old memories and daydreaming about what it’s all really about- nothing new then? Every Wednesday now, I sit down with

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  • Stories of people

    Stories of people

    As part of a project led by Leitrim Libraries around “Griefs Broken Brow” I have been leading a project called “A Cabinet of Curiosities” with two local schools. As part of my visit to Mohill National School, I met a group of 6th class students. The project was designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a sense

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  • Starting Secondary School: Navigating Second Year, Being Yourself, and Building Community Through Kindness

    As the end of summer ushers us into the start of a new school year, many of us are feeling that familiar mix of excitement and nerves—especially those returning for their second year of secondary school. For many young people, this can be a year of trying to figure out where you fit in, who

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  • My darling girl

    In search of a sense of place A story of difference. A child, unsure and shy of herself. She covers her face in moments of pride, embarrassment and uncertainty. I see so much of myself in her, yet there is something new about this girl. It is said that the act of care influences behaviours,

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  • St Mogues day of care

    In Templeport, Bawnboy, County Cavan sits an Island called St Mogues. A dedication to care. This has been a Labour of love and a dedication to care. I’ve been visiting St Mogues Island for a while, documenting and collecting history and stories My first two visits couldn’t have been more different. The first day I

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  • Sharing Freelance life

    Sharing Freelance life

    Emily Malcolm and Carrie Creamer have been working closely together for the last 5 years. They met as part of Wiltshire Youth Arts Partnership. Although the business closed its doors a few years back, both have found a way to continue working together. They collaborate wherever possible, sharing roles, be it research and development, project

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  • Approaching the silence

    Approaching the silence

    We travelled the sharp and bending curves of the road until we reached our final stop. A secluded meadow with a glorious backdrop nestled within the Wales countryside sits a Gypsy wagon.

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  • Civil Society and the arts

    “Beware those men, the jokers and the tricksters and the clowns. They will laugh us into hell”. Russell T Davies character Muriel stated in the final episode of Years and Years. O gosh, an amazing drama which shows us a stark and terrifying picture of the world as it falls into a hell of our

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  • Extend and Make Room

    Extend and Make Room

    The final residential for the Extend programme took place a few weeks ago in Leeds. It was a chance for the cohort of 2019 to come together one last time. As a group we shared stories about our lives as well as the progress of our group enquiries. We debated, talked openly and reflected on

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  • Extend Alumni event January 2019

    So, while the River Thames swirled around us and the sun dabbled the river with bright sparks of light we talked about language, stories and being kind. Sharing stories is as old as time but hearing people’s experiences is something very special.

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