Programme to expand arts accessibility for teenagers

An innovative programme aimed at expanding arts accessibility for young people takes place during November and December across south Tipperary and will include a workshop with chart-topping group Royseven.

Connex12 is involved in a number of short residencies, which form part of the European Interreg programme, and the aim of the Green and Blue Futures programme is to promote the local environmental and cultural assets, specifically along the River Suir.

Three projects will form part of a programme during Connex12, including Forever Now — a new film-making residency in Carrick-on-Suir. A short film will be devised and directed by Shane Dempsey, of the London-based Fragments Production Company, and edited by Zoe Chen.

Young actors will be taken on a journey into the world of filmmaking over the course of a week before the finished product is screened in Carrick in December.

A video and photography residency in Fethard will see local artist Pat Looby develop a project through video, photography and stories focused on the keeping and harvesting of osiary or willow beds along the River Clashawley.

In Cahir, local poet Grace Wells will be working with schoolchildren, holding poetry workshops using the theme of the river, its influences, and relationship with Cahir Castle.

Connex12 will be working with local arts providers such as the Clonmel Junction Festival; Cashel Arts Festival, and the Tipperary Excel Centre.

The latter will involve a workshop with Royseven, whose singer Paul Walsh is from Clonmel, for people aged between 13 and 18.

The workshop will be a one-hour interactive discussion about the band’s journey from beginning to the present day and will refer to topics such as writing songs, securing a record deal, touring, making videos, and the reality versus myth of being in a band.