Samhlaiocht to bring Entrepreneurs to Life!

Theatre Techniques to get Students Thinking Outside the Box

"The entrepreneur is our visionary, the creator in each of us. We're born with that quality and it defines our lives as we respond to what we see, hear, feel, and experience. It is developed, nurtured, and given space to flourish or is squelched, thwarted, without air or stimulation, and dies." So said Michael Gerber, entrepreneur, small business guru and best selling author of five books.

And with just such an ideal in mind, Kerry Enterprise Board CEO, Tomas Hayes, came up with a novel way to help develop and nurture young entrepreneurs - using theatrical techniques, those used by actors to help them prepare for roles, to help Transition Year students investigate and develop their instinctive skills and talents and help them bring the 'Entrepreneur Within' to life! "I thought it would be a fantastic way to get students thinking about what it means to be an entrepreneur," says Tomas.

He then contacted Kerry-based Arts organisation, Samhlaiocht, who brought an understanding of the Arts and Theatre to the table to complement Tomas' experience in the business world. "We're delighted to be working with the Kerry County Enterprise Board," said Jason O' Mahony, Director of Samhlaiocht. "I did a Masters in Business at UCG and have always loved combining the Arts with Business and vice versa."

And while the programme will utilise techniques from the Arts it will be results oriented with students competing for a prize that will provide seed capital of 5,000 euro to over fifteen start-up businesses in five schools through out Kerry.

The project will be delivered by Jikijela, a Sligo based company that specialises in Brand, Customer Experience and Business Culture Design using creative facilitation techniques developed for the business community. A number of differing techniques will be used, including 'Forum Theatre', which is a method that centres on the students actively creating scenes that an entrepreneur is likely to face and then 'acting' out possible solutions. The students are involved in the construction of the scenes, and are encouraged to develop inputs and suggested altered outcomes.

Debate is encouraged and an arena for practical, interactive solutions is provided. The students take part as the 'scene' unfolds, further encouraging them to think, to reason and to act like entrepreneurs. It is crucially a collective experience where all the Students strive to see alternative angles to the problems of starting up a business and to then resolve those problems in an imaginative, creative fashion.

"We're looking forward to rolling out the programme," says Jason, "and we're convinced that it will work for one simple reason - because it's fun! The non-traditional methods used will encourage Students to think in non traditional ways. In the business world, entrepreneurs see opportunities everywhere but others see only problems. The programme encourages students to look beyond the problems and to actively seek out opportunities, teaching them to act like Entrepreneurs, teaching them to think like Entrepreneurs, teaching them, in short, to be Entrepreneurs!"

"We're going to roll out the programme in five schools through out Kerry," adds Tomas. "With Samhlaiocht and Jikijela on board, we have professional facilitators with a background in both business and theatre who will deliver a programme that's designed to dovetail with other work being done in the area. The programme can function as either a back-up Entrepreneur programme or a stand-alone project. We are anxious to get started, get feedback from the Schools and link into other programmes."

The programme will take place over the school year 2008 - 2009 and is designed to fit into individual schools learning plans and the school curriculum ensuring the least possible disruption with the maximum results.

The Programme is being delivered by Kerry County Enterprise Board and Samhlaiocht, the premier Arts Organisation in Kerry, and interested parties should contact Tomas Hayes of Kerry County Enterprise Board on 066 718 3522.

For more information on Kerry Enterprise Board, please log onto www.kerryenterprise.ie
For more information on Samhlaiocht, please log onto www.samhlaiocht.com
For more information on Jikijela, please log onto www.jikijela.com please also log onto www.jel.ie

New Exhibition of Work from Isabelle Gaborit to go on display in Samhlaiocht

Isabelle Gaborit's 'Somewhere In Between' exhibition opens in Samhlaiocht, Thursday, September 4th

Tony Bennett's signature tune, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, speaks of the magical effect a place can have on a person and while Tony's heart was captured by the City by the Bay, many who visit Ireland experience the same feeling. Captivated by the beauty of the landscape or the beauty of the 'cailini' many a visitor has left their heart in Ireland!

One such visitor was Isabelle Gaborit who hails from La Rochelle in the South West of France. She visited Ireland, fell in love with the place, and stayed from the first! "I came to Ireland in 1993 on a student exchange from my college in France," says Isabelle. "But I came with my car fully packed because I knew I would love it and I have been here ever since!"

Her primary reason for visiting was to study English but she was also taking classes in Celtic Studies and has always had an interest in Art. "I was lucky, because while I was studying in France we were encouraged to take extra-curricular classes and I took Art. When I came to Ireland I found the place absolutely beautiful, just as I was expecting, and having graduated decided to dedicate myself to my Art."

Having completed her primary degree she remained in Ireland and since then she has become an active member of the artistic community and recently graduated from the Galway, Mayo Institute of Technology with an honours degree in Fine Art.

Isabelle is captivated by the landscape and her inspiration for this exhibition 'springs' from Holy Wells. "I once did a project called 'Sense of Place' that encouraged us, as Artists, to think about the place from where we come or the places that are dear to us," says Isabelle. "I'm inspired by the holy wells and ground waters of Ireland. They almost seem to record the relationship between the land and its people. The wells evoke a depth and stillness while also working as a reflection or mirror of the soul. The waters are gentle, soft and beautiful, but also there's a history to these places while many are legendary for their healing powers. So there are many different layers at work."

Her work mirrors this, "I use my art to explore these different layers," says Isabelle. "My work reminds me to look underneath, to unwrap the numerous layers and, hopefully, it allows the viewer a space in between, somewhere, perhaps, between reality and memory."

To this end her work uses a collage of objects which she has found while incorporating inks, watercolours, acrylics, pastels, and pencil drawings. "I guess my work is almost like a personal jigsaw," laughs Isabelle. "I deal with fragments of my own memory, things I have found and I try to work on different layers, planes or levels. The idea is to capture the eye of the viewer and draw him or her into the painting, into the different details in the work."

The paintings, which were completed between 2007 and 2008, became, almost, a mirror to the changing moods of the Artist and the many changing moods of Irish weather as the seasons passed, from winter to summer. The paintings reflect this passing with shades ranging from cool, cold tones to bright, cheerful splashes of colours.

Isabelle grew up next to the sea and admits to absolutely loving water but there may be just a little too much water for her here! "While I feel absolutely at home in Ireland, I have a two year old baby girl and a wonderful partner, I have to admit to sometimes missing the weather in the South of France," laughs Isabelle. "But at least the rain here keeps the holy wells full to brimming!"

The exhibition, which is titled 'Somewhere In Between', opens on Thursday, September 4th, and runs until Friday, September 26th, in the new Samhlaiocht Gallery which is located in the Old Presbytery on Lower Castle Street in the heart of Tralee. The Gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, is free to visit and all are welcome. For more information on Samhlaiocht please log on to http://www.samhlaiocht.com/

Oscar winner to Join Take 2 Film Festival

Laura Waters Hinson

The Take-2 International Student Film Festival (T2FF), which runs under the umbrella of The Kerry Film Festival, and takes place from November 3rd to November 7th, 2008, has announced that Laura Waters Hinson, a golden award winner at this year's 35th Student Academy awards, will adjudicate films for Take 2.

"We are overwhelmed and delighted at Laura coming on board as adjudicator," said Jerry Fitzgerald, Director of the Take 2 Film Festival. "We approached Laura, during a very busy time for her, off the back of huge success for her Documentary, so we thought the opportunity had passed us by, but when she accepted our proposal we were very happy. It’s always nice to have an Oscar winner on board!"

The Take-2 Film Festival (T2FF) will focus on student films and on the short film format in particular and will feature a competition in a number of categories including Best Irish Short, Best International Short, Best Short as Gaeilge, Best Animated Short, and best Documentary, which Laura Waters Hinson will adjudicate.

Laura Waters Hinson is a filmmaker and photographer based in the Washington, DC area. She is president of Image Bearer Pictures and has a Master of Fine Arts in Film from American University. Laura’s most recent project, As We Forgive, is an Oscar award-winning documentary about two Rwandan women coming face-to-face with the men who slaughtered their families during the 1994 genocide. Laura said, "I am honored to be a part of the Take-2 Festival and am eager to see the work of student filmmakers from around the world."

The organisation of the Take-2 Student International Film Festival is shaping up incredibly well with close to 200 entries expected at the festival in its pilot year. Kicking off on November 3rd, and running under the umbrella of the Kerry Film Festival, Take-2 will be host to many special short films as well as guest feature films, at the Institute of Technology, Tralee’s North and South Campuses. The Festival runs until Friday November 7th and it promises to be a festival that the people of Kerry and the enthusiastic students, both from home and abroad, who are involved won't forget in a hurry!

For more information on the Take-2 Student International Film Festival please log on to http://www.t2ff.com/

Arts Council Announces Funding

The closing dates for the Arts Council's Small Festivals Scheme for 2009 are:
Round One Closing Date: Round One of the scheme is available to festivals taking place on or before the 30 June 2009. Closing date for receipt of applications for Round One is Friday 19 September 2008. If applicants are organising a series of events (e.g. concert series) taking place over the course of the year, i.e. continuing beyond 30 June, they should apply under Round One.
Round Two Closing Date Festivals and Events taking place in the second half of 2009, i.e. after 1 July 2009, should apply under Round Two of the scheme. The closing date for Round Two is to be confirmed (early to mid February – tentative date)

Application form The application form and guidance notes for this scheme is available through our online site http://applications.artscouncil.ie/smallfestivals or you can request a hard copy form by calling Regina O’Shea with full postal details on telephone +353 1 618 0260 or by email to smallfestivals@artscouncil.ie.

First Time Applications First time applicants to the scheme are advised to contact Una McCarthy, Head of Festivals and Events, prior to submitting an application; telephone +353 1 6180272 or by email to firsttime@artscouncil.ie.

Festivals, Local Arts and Venues Officer The Arts Council 70 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, 70 Cearnog Mhuirfean, Baile Atha Cliath 2.TEL: + 353 1 6180 260 Fax: +353 1 6761 302 E: regina.oshea@artscouncil.ie W: http://www.artscouncil.ie/

The Arts Council publishes an email newsletter that provides monthly updates on grants and awards, news and events, and arts policy. Register to receive the newsletter through the Council website by visiting http://www.artscouncil.ie/en/newsletter.aspx.

Commissions award-Arts Council
Closing date: 11/09/2008
Maximum awarded: e10000
Art area: All
Audience type: All
Collaborative application possible? Yes
Contact: Sara Stokes
Position: Grants and Awards Assistant
Telephone: 01 618 02 49
Email: awards@artscouncil.ie

Purpose and priorities of award
The primary purpose of this award is to facilitate creative partnerships between a diverse range of commissioners and artists that result in new work or repertoire renewal. These partnerships should lead to a public performance, a publication, an exhibition or another form of dissemination of the commissioned work in Ireland or abroad. In theatre the commission might lead to the completion of a script but not necessarily a full production.

In the context of this scheme the definition of a 'commission' is where one person or entity commissions another to create a new piece of artistic work or dynamic repertoire renewal, and where the creative results will be controlled by the commissioned artist(s).

ARTIST IN YOUTH WORK RESIDENCY 2008 SEEKING APPLICATIONS
The National Youth Council of Ireland is now seeking applications for this scheme. The Artist in Youth Work Residency award is offered as a means of extending and enhancing opportunities for young people to experience and participate in the arts. The aim of the Residency award is to encourage artistic collaboration between professional artists and young people. Young people will have the opportunity to work with and learn from practitioners of excellence in their field. Equally, artists will have the opportunity to enrich their own professional practice through the contextual experience of working with young people.

Funding of up to e15,000 will be awarded to successful residency applicants. This scheme is open to applications from established youth organizations, or a consortium of such youth organizations, whether locally based independent groups or groups affiliated to voluntary or statutory youth organizations. Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.pm on Friday the 3rd of October.

You can download the Application Form at: http://www.youth.ie/what_s_new/artist_in_youth_work_residency_scheme

For more information contact emmet@nyci.ie Emmet Sheerin Youth Arts Project Officer
National Youth Council of Ireland 3 Montague Street Dublin 2 01 4784122 http://www.youth.ie/

YOUTH ARTS DEVELOPMENT AWARD 2008 SEEKING APPLICATIONS
The National Youth Council of Ireland is now seeking applications for this scheme. The Youth Arts Development Award is offered to further sustainable development of youth arts practice at a local level. The aim of the Youth Arts Development Award is to encourage the formation of partnerships between relevant agencies and organisations at a local level, to work towards integrated development of long-term youth arts programmes in a specific geographical area. Awards of between e5,000 - e20,000 will be awarded to successful applicants. Applications are invited from local youth organizations, or a consortium of organisations with one or more of the following – Community Development Organisation, Local Authority, Arts Organisation/ Venue, Educational Institution (second or third level), Business Corporation, other.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.pm on Friday the 3rd of October.
You can download the Application Form at: http://www.youth.ie/what_s_new/youth_arts_development_award_2008

For more information contact emmet@nyci.ie Emmet Sheerin
Youth Arts Project Officer National Youth Council of Ireland 3 Montague Street
Dublin 2 01 4784122 http://www.youth.ie/

INTERNATIONAL ARTS GRANTS - CULTURE IRELAND
Culture Ireland offers awards to Irish artists or arts organisations to facilitate participation at strategic international arts events in other countries of Irish cultural activities of excellence. For information call (01) 6313905, Email cultureireland@dast.gov.ie or visit http://lists.visualartists.ie/lt/t_go.php?i=119&e=MjIw&l=-http--www.cultureireland.gov.ie. Deadlines: 15 August and 15 November.

The Arts Office of Galway County Council is pleased to announce a bursary initiative for musicians to attend the Music Network 2008 / 2009 Continuing Professional Development Programme.

This programme is aimed at professional musicians working and/or wishing to work in a variety of outreach scenarios, for example education, healthcare and audience development.
The 2008 / 2009 course will take place over three weekends between September and April: 6 and 7 September, 2008 (DIT Conservatory of Music & Drama, Rathmines, Dublin 6) 10 and 11 January, 2009 (The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2) 25 and 26 April, 2009 (The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2)

Musicians of all genres (classical, traditional, world, folk, jazz, contemporary, popular etc.) practicing in a variety of contexts (formal and non-formal education, youth, community, health etc.) are invited to apply for a bursary. Musicians in receipt of bursaries are required to attend all three training weekends.

The 2008 / 09 Facilitation Team will include:
Elaine Agnew (formal and non-formal education scenarios, healthcare, prison and other institutions)

Mel Mercier (Using tuned & untuned percussion as a resource in formal and non-formal settings)

Ros Hawley (Healthcare: children)

Joe McKenna (Healthcare: older people)

Kevin O’Shanahan (Healthcare: mental health scenarios)

Muireann Aherne (Drama and outreach workshops)

Jenny Elliot (Healthcare: dementia & adults with brain injury)

Paul Roe (Structure & Practicalities)

Lucy Champion (Song as Resource)

Naheed Cruickshank (Early years music)

The Facilitation team will also be supported by presentations from key representatives from the Arts Council including Rachel Holstead, Music Adviser to The Arts Council and Margaret Rogers, Child Welfare Officer, The Arts Council.

This course will offer musicians: - The highest standards of Facilitation - Training in a comprehensive range of outreach scenarios - Networking opportunities with musicians working in other counties and disciplines - Support, resources and materials - Appropriate standards of course facilities and services

Further information about this course is available from Music Network, The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 Ph: Tel: 01 6719429 / development@musicnetwork.ie / www.musicnetwork.ie Bursaries are valued at €750 – which covers course fee [e300] and e450 contribution to travel, accommodation and subsistence

To apply, please complete the application form together with an up to date CV and submit to the Arts Department, Galway County Council, County Hall, Galway . Ph: 091 746877 E: artsoffice@Galwaycoco.ie W: www.Galway.ie/Arts

The deadline for receipt of applications is 5.00 p.m. August 21st 2008 The Successful Applicants will be contacted no later than 25th August 2008
Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The Arts Council, The IRMA Trust and Music Network Announce Details of the Music Capital Scheme and Research Project
The Arts Council, The IRMA Trust and Music Network announced details of the Music Capital Scheme and Research Project, an action-research initiative designed to provide support for the purchase of musical instruments in 2008. The scheme and research project will be operated on a pilot basis in 2008 and will be designed to recommend formalised structures for ongoing support in this area beyond 2008.

Closing date for applications 5:30pm Monday 29th September.

Commenting on the initiative, Mary Cloake, Director of The Arts Council said, "The Arts Council is aware of a range of needs for capital investment in music throughout Ireland. One of the principal areas of difficulty for musicians and for ensembles can be the purchasing of instruments. The costs of instrument purchase, maintenance and repair can be significant barriers to the development of many organisations and this scheme aims to address this."

There are three categories of support under the Music Capital Scheme aimed at highly skilled performing artists, non-professional performing groups/ensembles and those working in youth or community organisations supporting musical practice. This scheme marks a new departure for The Arts Council as for the first time non-professional music groups can apply for funding under one strand of the scheme.

The Music Capital Scheme, managed by Music Network, will focus exclusively on the area of music instrument purchase in 2008. Awards in this scheme will be made to individual artists, to ensembles and to organisations supporting musical practice in other ways. A total fund of up to e350,000 in grant aid is available in 2008, of which up to e130,000 is specifically intended to support the purchase of rehearsal equipment and instruments for use by youth and community groups, via a once-off investment in the scheme funded by the IRMA Trust.

Dick Doyle, IRMA Trust Director and CEO of IRMA & PPI, stated, "the IRMA Trust is pleased to partner with The Arts Council on a national scheme of this nature. The Trust has invested over €1.5 million to date in helping young people gain access to music. What this scheme is all about is bringing rehearsal facilities locally to young bands."

The Research Project, managed by the Arts Council, will look beyond the scope of the new scheme at a broader range of related issues including the needs for equipment purchase; for the provision of rehearsal venues; and for the development of performing venues for artists, ensembles, venues and support organisations working in all areas of musical practice.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:30 p.m. Monday 29th September 2008. For further information visit http://www.musicnetwork.ie/ or contact The Music Capital Scheme Manager, Music Network, Tel. 01 6719429 or email capitalscheme@musicnetwork.ie.

Arts Council July Newsletter

1. The Arts Council announces new, three-year funding plan for the Abbey Theatre The Arts Council has announced the offer of new, three-year funding for the Abbey Theatre for the period 2009-2011. Read more

2. Arts Council awards over e900,000 to individual artists A total of 76 individual artists from across the country received the grants as part of the Arts Council's Bursary awards for 2008. Read more

3. Arts Council publishes arts and education report The Arts Council has published Points of Alignment the Report of the Special Committee on the Arts and Education. Read more

4. Music Capital Scheme and Research Project The Arts Council, the IRMA Trust and Music Network announced details of the Music Capital Scheme and Research Project, an action-research initiative designed to provide support for the purchase of musical instruments in 2008. Read more

5. Child welfare and protection - update July 2008 An update on child protection and welfare. Read more

6. Local Partnership Scheme 2008 Details of the three local authorities who were awarded funding to develop and deliver their proposals. Read more

7. Decisions: Commissions award 2008 (round 1) The Arts Council is pleased to announce funding for the first round of the Commissions award 2008. Read more

8. Decsions: Travel & Training (March - June 2008) The aim of this award is to improve the professional development, formation and networking opportunities of artists and people working professionally in the arts. Read more

9. Decisions: Projects: New Work Award, round 1, 2008 The Arts Council is pleased to announce funding for the first round of Projects: New Work in 2008. Read more

10. Decisions: Projects - Once-Off 2008 (round 1) The Arts Council is pleased to announce funding for the first round of Projects: Once off in 2008. Read more

11. Decisions: Deis June 2008 Deis is a scheme established under the Arts Council's Traditional Arts Initiative, 2005-2008 for one-off or short-term projects. Applications are received on an ongoing basis and decisions are made monthly. Read more

12. News from the arts community Opportunities in the arts community in July include: details of the Music Network Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Training Programme 2008/09; Dance Ireland is seeking applications for the post of Administrator; the National Youth Council invites applications for the Artist in Youth Work Residency 2008 and the Youth Arts Development Award; and St Patrick's College Drumcondra is seeking applications for an Irish language Writer-in-residence. Read more

13. International news from the Cultural Contact Point News from the CCP in July includes details about EU Culture Programme information meetings; corrections made to the EU Culture Programme application form; the publication of a call for proposal for ERASMUS for Young Entrepreneurs, the launch of a new publication reviewing sectoral training funds in Europe; and an announcement about Ljubljana as World Book Capital 2010. Read more