A day of talks and workshops on play, it’s relationship to culture and the arts. and a childs right to play and access to the arts and culture. Through a series of keynotes, workshops and panel discussions we will consider, play in the urban realm and play as part of our cultural institutions.

The day will include presentations by Adrian Voce, OBE, writer, consultant and campaigner for children’s right to play; Gabriela Burkthaler, Curator of The Playground Project, Dr. Jackie Bourke, Research Consultant, Urban Issues and Childrens Rights; Dr Tim Stott, author of Play and Participation in Contemporary Arts Practice (2015).

As part of the day artists Tom Watt and Rhona Byrne will collaborate to create an interactive workshop and play experience.

The day will also include  a number of  short presentations on practice based projects, Roisin De Buitlear :The National PlayGround,Rebecca Blake: PlayPark Ballyfermot, Rosie Lynch: Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park and Chleo Fagan: Super Projects.

The day can be booked though the box office on boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie and the cost is €20/ €10 conc including lunch. Or buy here: Buy Tickets

Please be advised that this is a draft schedule and is subject to changes in timings.

9.00 – 9.30    Registration/ Recorded presentations from Children – foyer and theatre

9.30 – 9.35   Welcome from Ann Mulrooney, CEO VISUAL Carlow

10.00 – 10.30 First Keynote: Maria Corbett, NUIG, Children’s right to Culture, The Arts and Play

10.30 – 11.00  Second Keynote: Adrian Voce,OBE, Policies for play: responsibilities, implementation and practice

11.15 – 11.30 Question and answer session, moderator Dr. Jackie Bourke

11.30 – 11.45  Break for air and coffee

11.45 – 12.45 Panel Discussion Play, Participation and the Visual Arts – panel discussion: Dr. Tim Stott, DIT;  Dr. Lisa Godson, NCAD; Chair TBC

12.45 – 1.30pm Lunch

1.30: Workshop with artists Tom Watt and Rhona Byrne

2.00 -3.00  Panel Discussion. Play and the Urban Landscape: Gabriela Burkhalter, curator and urban designer – The Playground Project; Deborah Clarke, Dublin City Council -The Dublin City Play Plan,  Nathalie Wheadick, Irish Architecture Foundation; Dr Jackie Bourke, consultant on play. Chair TBC

3.15: So what are we doing? Some inspiration
Short presentations on practice based projects (15 mins each): Roisin De Buitlear, 2016 Commemorative Playgarden’ at St Audeon’s Park; Rebecca Blake, PlayPark Ballyfermot; Donegal, Rosie Lynch: FerrybanK Neighbourhood Park, Kilkenny More speakers TBA

3.45 – 4.00 Wrap up of conference Emma-Lucy O’ Brien, Curator VISUAL Carlow