Art
Limerick school to take part in Your Gallery at School initiative by the National Gallery of Ireland
Your Gallery at School – Pupils from Catherine McAuley school will take part in the engaging, holistic art initiative by the National Gallery.
Pupils will get a chance to enhance their knowledge of art and learn about different careers in art
By I Love Limerick correspondent Stella Gordon
Catherine McAuley school on South Circular Road is one of twelve schools countrywide that have been selected to take part in the Your Gallery at School workshops. Your Gallery at School is an initiative by the 168-year-old National Gallery of Ireland, based in Dublin. The initiative aims to break down the barriers that prevent engagement with the arts through holistic programming that ensures children transition to adulthood equipped with the life-changing benefits of art.
Pupils from the Catherine McAuley school will participate in art workshops, and sensory sessions facilitated for children who normally wouldn’t have access to the National Gallery and culture due to socio-economic reasons. Each school taking part will be paired with an artist who will develop a package of three workshops appropriate for the students’ age and school level. Pupils will get a chance to engage in a Q&A session with an artist or staff members of the National Gallery to enhance their knowledge of art and to learn about different careers in art. Three exclusive online workshops will also run for all schools that applied to take part in the initiative. This includes an Earth Explorers practical workshop for primary schools, a Creative Careers Day for students, and a Continuing Professional Development workshop for teachers.
Catherine McAuley school has a successful history of catering to children with learning difficulties. They have a current pupil-to-teacher ratio of 11:1, allowing for as much attention as possible to be devoted to the pupils. A staff member from the Catherine McAuley school said, “We are thrilled to be participating in the Your Gallery at School initiative, it will greatly enhance the art experience for our students in Catherine McCauley School and we can’t wait to get started!”
Since the pilot of Your Gallery at School in 2021, the creative initiative has thrived. This year, the National Gallery received almost 400 applications from schools nationwide, which resulted in a 287% increase on 2021 applications. The initiative is sponsored by aircraft leasing company SMBC Aviation Capital.
Peter Barrett, Chief Executive of SMBC Aviation Capital said, “We understand the importance of bringing the National Gallery to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to access it and we are looking forward to seeing the continued positive impact of Your Gallery at School across the country.”
Find out more about Your Gallery at School
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