Creative Cavan on show at Shared Island national conference

Taoiseach presented with Cavan artwork, and Minister O’Donovan hails local poetry collection

Creative Cavan projects were to the fore at the Creative Ireland Shared Island conference in Croke Park, which took place on Thursday 13 November and was addressed byTaoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan.

The event, Creativity Connecting People,celebrated the achievements of 47 Shared Island projects that have fostered partnerships, creativity, and lasting friendships across the island since 2023. It was attended by more than 300 delegates and Creative Cavan Projects exhibiting included the cross-border ‘Art of Life’ and ‘Dance Connects’ projects.

Hosted by journalist and broadcaster Dearbhail McDonald, the conference included a range of panels which included Sharon Howe, Creative Cavan Engagement Officer presenting on the acclaimed ‘Art of Life’ project.

Emma Clancy, County Librarian and Creative Cavan Co-ordinator, joined Allison Forbes, Project Manager of South-West Age Partnership in presenting An Taoiseach with an artwork of the River Erne commissioned for the ‘Art of Life’ project by local Artist Kim Gaffney Art.

Speaking at the event, Minister O’Donovan also singled out the Art of Life ‘Pen the Pain’ poetry collection for praise. The collection, which was created as part of the Art of Life by Helen Keenan and features poems by Helen and members of Cavan Older People’s Council, Brian McDermott, Anne O’Donohue, and Bob Gilbert, will be launched in Virginia Library on Wednesday, 3 December at 10.30am.

Speaking at the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said “The Shared Island initiative is about building connections between people, communities and traditions across our island.

“Through shared creativity, we can see a more expansive common ground of understanding and cultural appreciation emerge; in music, in art, in storytelling, and in the bonds that grow from these collaborations. The Creative Ireland Programme has shown how imagination and shared purpose can help us shape a brighter, more connected future for everyone who calls this island home,” continued Mr Martin.

With a copy of ‘Pen the Pain’ in hand, Minister Patrick O’Donovan added, “I was struck by the footprint of Creative Ireland’s Shared Island projects seen here today; there are 47 projects based in 23 counties throughout the island, with each province represented. The strength of the Shared Island initiative lies in its focus on community-to-community connection, inspiring pride, passion and lifelong friendships”.

The Art of Life project is funded through Creative Ireland Health and Wellbeing - Shared Island.  Led by Creative Cavan, the project aims to normalise conversations around death, dying and end of life in order to promote the importance of planning for end of life.  The project is delivered in Counties Cavan, Fermanagh and Tyrone by partners Creative Cavan, Cavan County Council’s Library Service, Libraries NI, Cavan Age Friendly, Health Ireland at your Library, and South West Age Partnership.  For more information visit: www.cavanlibrary.ie/artoflife