An exhibition of artwork by children from West Cork Primary Schools

To commemorate the 1916 Centenary 20 groups from 11 schools across West Cork have been exploring the one hundred years of art and history since the Easter Rising. Each group has created an artwork representing each 5 year period from 1916 – 2016. The project incorporated historical research, artistic research and the children’s own creativity and imagination. With the support of Schools Coordinator Alison Cronin and their own class teachers, each group researched their 5 year period, exploring historical events locally, nationally and internationally, ways of life and culture, and artworks created at the time. From this research they decided on a theme and an artistic style that interested them, and created a group artwork to represent that 5 years.

The project involved schools from Lislevane to Durrus, Castlefreke to Kilcoe. With children from junior infants through to sixth class. Each project is unique. Brought together they create a wide ranging exhibition of sculpture, collage, painting, mobiles and painted glass, inspired by artists as diverse as Jack B Yeats, Harry Clarke, Andy Warhol and Banksy, and representing everything from the Rising itself, to the arrival of a monkey in Clonakilty, the closure of the West Cork railway, to a roller disco. A colourful and creative celebration of the past one hundred years, seen through the eyes of West Cork’s school children.

The exhibition will open on Friday 29 June at 7.00pm. A commemorative poster, including images from all 20 of the artworks, will be available for purchase during the exhibition. Schools are invited to visit the exhibition, but booking is essential for groups. Tours can be provided at €2 per pupil.

This exhibition is the result of a partnership project between Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, and West Cork Education Centre. This project has received funding through Cork County Council as part of the ‘Ireland 2016’ initiative.