Youth Residency Programme – Phase 2
The Youth Residency programme has concluded its final week where young people from the Drum Youth Centre Foróige and Ossory Youth participated in a six-week art programme delivered by resident artist Aoife Doherty.
As the residency developed, it was clear that the two groups were developing different styles and interests. In the Ossory Youth Centre, we focused on exploring different styles and art movements throughout art history including 80’s inspired New York art, magazine collage, bookmaking, portraiture and contemporary abstract art. While in the Drum Foróige we looked at creating artwork the young people could bring to Dublin Pride Parade in June, that best represents ‘Identify’, The youth centres LGBTQIA+ and Allies group. We designed Tote bags, posters, created mural art and sculptures.
During the middle of the residency, both groups enjoyed a visit to the Butler Gallery, where we were given a guided tour of the permanent collection galleries and spent some time discussing different ways of experiencing and interpreting art in art galleries. We then returned to the youth centres and created our own re-imagined version of some of the art works we had seen. There were some incredible new interpretations of artwork by artists like Jane and Tony O’Malley, Aideen Barry and Mainie Jellett. Reflecting on the visit, a participant shared that they enjoyed having an open discussion about the artwork, looking at art in more depth and learning about the history of the site.
To conclude the residency, Aoife, resident artist, shared that ‘It was such an incredible opportunity to work with these two groups of amazing young people. I enjoyed sharing my passion for art and artmaking, I also truly learnt so much from such a creative, insightful group. I am incredibly grateful to the young people and the youth centres for welcoming into their space and to the Kilkenny Arts Office for this opportunity, particularly Mary Butler who guided and advised throughout. I am incredibly grateful I was entrusted with this responsibility and will continue working with young people sharing art for those who are curious to join.’
The Kilkenny Arts Office is delighted that the young people, Youth organisations and the artist in residency has benefited from this programme.
