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Kids’ Own
Annual Activity Report
2019
Kids’ Own is a children’s arts organisation and publishing house and Ireland’s only dedicated publisher of books by children, for children. Kids’ Own works in defence of children’s right to culture and supports their individual creative expression through publishing and the arts. Left: Children from Aughanacloy Primary School participating in Virtually There Right top: Children from Scoíl Íosa, Ballina at the launch of This Giant Tent Right bottom: Kids’ Own Director, Jo Holmwood, receiving the Lotto Good Causes Award from Panti Bliss
Company number: 508465 Charity number: 20639 Charity registration number: 20082109
A participant of Cruinniú na nÓg print workshops commissioned by the LexIcon Library, Dun Laoghaire
Who we are Kids’ Own was formed in 1997 and since
As a leading national organisation,
then has firmly established itself as a
Kids’ Own also strives to support and
leading organisation within the cultural
strategically develop the sector of arts
sector, supporting children’s engagement
practice with children through training,
with professional artists through high-
mentoring and supports for professional
quality arts and publishing experiences.
artists who work in this field. Through
Kids’ Own is Ireland’s only dedicated
national strategic initiatives, we seek to
publisher of books by children and works
extend the impact of our work beyond our
in defence of children’s right to culture,
own programmes of engagement.
supporting children’s inclusion and recognition as active cultural citizens
Based in Sligo, Kids’ Own works nationally,
within their communities and society as a
but is also committed to supporting and
whole.
enriching the economic and community development of our local and regional
Kids’ Own works through a model of social
community through family initiatives and
change, blending strong social justice
educational programmes in the northwest.
goals with artistic excellence. Through publishing and the arts, Kids’ Own
Our strategic plan sets out a strong vision
advocates for a society where children are
to continue challenging attitudes towards
valued and listened to, and where their
children and their role within the arts; to
voices, opinions, experiences and creative
raise awareness among families, teachers
expression are given visibility, credence and and policy makers as to the value of creative status. As part of a strong social inclusion
experiences for children across all stages of
agenda, Kids’ Own particularly strives to
their lives; to foster influential champions
support children who are experiencing
through professional development and
marginalisation or social disadvantage.
strategic initiatives; and to support the practice of artists who work with children.
Kids’ Own takes a holistic view of childhood and works in partnership with many organisations and agencies from across all sectors of society to champion children as active cultural citizens and change-makers within their communities and within society as a whole.
Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Who we are 03
Aims and purpose Kids’ Own vision
Our vision is for a society that recognises children as independent writers, thinkers and creators and that truly values the arts in the lives of all children.
Kids’ Own mission
Our mission is to develop, publish and promote artwork and writing created by children for children and their communities through meaningful engagement with professional artists.
04 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aims and purpose
Kids’ Own Strategic Aims (2017–2020) Aim 1:
Engagement and co-creation Increase opportunities for children to develop artwork and writing through meaningful engagement with professional artists.
Aim 2:
Visibility of children’s work Increase the visibility to children’s artwork and writing through publishing, exhibition and dissemination.
Aim 3:
Professional arts practice with children Strengthen the practice of artists and other professionals who work with children.
Aim 4:
Research and advocacy Strive to build evidence and lead change towards children’s inclusion as active creators.
Aim 5:
Building internal capacity Ensure that Kids’ Own has the capacity to achieve its strategic aims.
Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Strategic Aims (2017–2020) 05
Organisation and governance Legal structure
Election of board members
Kids’ Own is a non-for-profit company
Kids’ Own’s Constitution sets out the
limited by guarantee and a registered
following rules for election/ appointment
charity.
of board members:
Company number: 508465
To qualify for appointment, a director must
Tax registration number: 9822769G
be nominated and seconded for the position
(not VAT registered)
by existing directors. Nominations must be
CHY number: 20639
in writing, received at the registered office at
Charity registration number: 20082190
least two weeks before the board meeting at which the appointment is to be made.
Board members Kids’ Own has six board members, one of
And for terms of directors:
whom was co-opted in 2019. In September
Directors shall be appointed for a term of
2019, Maria Corbett resigned as Chair of the
three years and shall thereafter be eligible
board and Jennifer Hennessy was elected
for re-appointment for a further period of
as new Chair. Mark O’Brien was elected as
three years, but shall then retire.
new Treasurer.
raise awareness among families, teachers and policy makers as to the value of creative experiences for children across all stages of their lives; to foster influential champions through professional development and strategic initiatives; and to support the practice of artists who work with children.
06 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Organisation and governence
About the board Carmel Brennan
researching best practice internationally
Tenure: 13 June 2018–present Field of expertise: Early childhood development and learning
in child protection proceedings. From 2001
Dr Carmel Brennan recently retired
unites over 100 members working together
as Head of Training and Practice with
to promote and protect the rights of
Early Childhood Ireland, where she had
children and young people in Ireland. She
responsibility for the organisation’s work
also served as the organisation’s Deputy
in developing curriculum, improving
Chief Executive from 2005 to 2016. She is a
practice and supporting services to work
member of the Board of Directors of the Ark
with the national frameworks. She now
Cultural Centre, Dublin and the Child Care
works as a part time lecturer in Maynooth
Law Reporting Project.
to 2016, Maria led the legal and policy work of the Children’s Rights Alliance which
University on the degree and masters in early childhood education programmes.
Jennifer Hennessy
Her research interests are in the areas of
construction of stories through play and
(Treasurer/Chair) Tenure: 19 August 2016–present. Treasurer until October 2019; Chair from October 2019 Field of expertise: Finance
the relationship between play and artistic
Jennifer is Social Finance Executive at
enquiry in children’s lives.
Clann Credo – The Social Investment Fund.
curriculum and particularly children’s play – the subject of her PhD thesis. More recently, she focuses on children’s co-
Jennifer has a background in finance and
Maria Corbett
banking. In her role with Clann Credo she
(Chair until September 2019) Tenure: 29th July 2016–8th January 2020 Field of expertise: Children’s rights/ child and family law
has worked with hundreds of non-profit organisations.
Maria Corbett has twenty years’ experience as a children’s rights advocate, policy analyst and researcher. Maria is currently a doctoral researcher with the School of Law, National University of Ireland, Galway
About the board Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 07
About the board cont’d Michael Kirby
Mark O’Brien
Tenure: 01 September 2019–present Field of expertise: Business and management consultancy. Michael has almost three decades
(Treasurer from October 2019) Tenure: 9 Feb 2018–present Field of expertise: Arts and cultural management
experience working in the private sector
Mark is Director of axis, Ballymun, an
in the U.S., England, and Ireland and,
organisation at the heart of Ballymun
since 2001, is a Partner of business and
on the northside of Dublin. Axis is an
management consultancy firm Meehan
arts centre, production company, arts
Tully & Associates Ltd. He holds a B.A.
development organisation & resource
from Villanova University, a M.A. in
centre. Mark also practices as a theatre
International Relations from St. John’s
director. Credits include: Feast or Famine
University, New York, and an MBA from
by Sinead Moriarty as part of 24 hour
Trinity College Dublin. Michael has
plays at the Abbey Theatre. For axis, ‘Bang
extensive professional experience of the
Bang’, ‘Tea Chests and Dreams’ and ‘The
not-for-profit sector and is actively involved
Parting Glass’ by Dermot Bolger (touring
in a number of organisations in a voluntary
nationally and Internationally), ‘Glimmer’
capacity.
by Joe Flavin, ‘Stór’ by Ciaran Taylor, ‘The Good Father’ by Christian O’ Reilly,
Irene Lawlor
‘Cleaners’ by Colm Maher, ‘Waiting for Elvis’
Tenure: 15 May 2015–14 May 2018. Term renewed from 15 May 2018 for another three years. Field of expertise: Marketing and communications
by Eileen Gibbons, Other work include
Irene has been Communications Manager
(Galloping Cat), ‘A Soldiers Tale’ (Co-
at GSK since November 2016. Previously,
Opera). Mark also practices as a composer/
she was Communications Manager at
sound designer and has facilitated theatre
Barnardos, Ireland and Commonwealth
workshops nationally and internationally.
Bank of Australia, New Media Specialist with O2 Ireland, and Instructional Designer with Riverdeep.
08 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 About the board
‘Shorts’ (Fishamble), ‘Jack Fell down’, (Team) ‘The Welcome’ (Druid), ‘Pass the Parcel’ (The Ark), ‘Sparkleshark’ (Draiocht), ‘Hype’ (Broke Theatre Co.),‘The Oresteia’
The role of the Kids’ Own board The key role of the board of Kids’ Own is
Board meetings
to provide leadership to the organisation
The board of Kids’ Own met four times
by setting strategic direction and ensuring
during 2019, on the following dates:
policies are in place that support this
• 25 January 2019
direction. The board also:
• 3 May 2019 • 6 September 2019
• Approves, monitors and reviews the
• 22 November 2019
work programme to ensure it is effectively meeting the agreed objectives and performance indicators. • Protects and represents the interests of Kids’ Own and is accountable to the membership. • Ensures a framework of prudent and effective controls are in place for the work of Kids’ Own. • Discharges its responsibilities in accordance with the defining rules of the organisation.
The role of the Kids’ Own board Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 09
Governance standards As a registered charity and publicly funded
With the new Governance Code issued by
non-for-profit organisation, Kids’ Own is
the Charities Regulator in November 2018,
wholly committed to fulfilling best practice
Kids’ Own is now committed to achieving
requirements in relation to the governance
full compliance with this code and has
of our organisation. We were among the
set the groundwork for this through our
first 100 organisations in Ireland to sign
ongoing attendance to this piece of work.
up to the Governance Code for community, voluntary and charitable organisations (2012) and have been working to ensure ongoing compliance by keeping this as a standing item on our board meeting agendas.
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Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Who we are
2019 summary Our 2019 programme continued to develop and advance our strategic aims through a range of diverse but carefully interconnected activities. These activities included creative engagement programmes with new partners locally and nationally, as well as developing relationships with previous partner organisations. Our status as a leader in online engagement in arts practice and arts in education continued through our longrunning virtual artist-in-residency project Virtually There which entered into its twelfth year, and our successful tender for the continued management of the Arts in Education Portal – the key national digital resource of arts in education practice in Ireland. 2019 was an important year for Kids’ Own in terms of the growth of the visibility of the organisation. Kids’ Own carried out our Visibility and Dissemination Plan through which we reached new audiences with our work, raised our profile locally, regionally, and nationally, and continued our advocacy. In the following pages, there are reviews of each of our strategic aims, including short descriptions of selected activities. Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Who we are
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A child from Aughnacloy Primary School participating in Virtually There
AIM 1 Engagement and Co-creation Increase opportunities for children to develop artwork and writing through meaningful engagement with professional artists. The guiding ethos of our work is to allow all children the opportunity for creative expression and to engage in meaningful creative processes alongside professional artists; to facilitate real collaboration between children, artists, and their communities; and for children and young people’s artwork, writing, and voices to be seen and heard, truly valued, and respected. We continue to expand and develop our modes of engagement and co-creation with children and to bring the voices of children and young people whose experiences may be outside of the mainstream to the forefront.
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Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Who we are
Virtually There One of Kids’ Own’s flagship projects,
Kids’ Own is currently developing
Virtually There is a pioneering model of
independent qualitative research,
collaborative arts practice within sites of
conducted by Dr Bryonie Reid to explore the
learning. This project has been running
impact of the project on all participants,
since 2007 and began with one collaborative
which is funded by the Paul Hamlyn
partnership between artist Ann
Foundation and due for publication in
Henderson, teachers Julie Orr and Judith
spring 2020.
White and children from classes P2 and P5 at Ballydown Primary School in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. Twelve years on, and with generous grant funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation (UK), through its Artsbased Learning Fund (awarded in 2016), the project now supports eight collaborative partnerships between artists in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Spain, and schools in Northern Ireland. Virtually There was also
Children from Aughnacloy Primary School, participating in Virtually There
generously funded by the Arts Council of
Spring 2019 marked a pivotal moment
Northern Ireland through Lottery Project
in the Virtually There project when
Funding from 2007 to 2018.
engagement between the artists, children and teachers ceased. In autumn 2019,
A unique feature of the Virtually There
the focus of the project became directed
project is its pioneering use of virtual
towards an exhibition – scheduled for
technologies to connect the artists from
spring 2020 – which would showcase
their studio with the children in the
aspects of each creative partnership
classroom. This has resulted in very
to bring insights into high-quality arts
defined modes of communication and
in education practice to a wider public
innovative approaches to collaboration
audience. Dr Bryonie Reid – previously
with the whiteboard platform offering a
engaged as researcher on the project – took
shared canvas for dialogue and visibility of
up a new role as Exhibition Co-ordinator,
process.
and long-time associate artist with Kids’ Own, Vanya Lambrecht Ward, took up the role of Exhibition Curator.
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Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aim 1 Engagement and Co-creation
Virtually There cont’d
Artists Lisa Cahill, John D’Arcy, Naomi Draper, Ann Donnelly, Julie Forrester, Ann Henderson, Sharon Kelly, Andrew Livingstone.
Teachers Paula Courtenay, Stella Cross, Wendy Davey, Fionnuala Hughes, Leanne Kyle, Chris McCambridge, Julie Orr, Judith White, Marcella Wilson.
Schools
Children from Donaghey Primary School, participating in Virtually There
Aughnacloy PS, Aughnacloy, Ballydown PS, Banbridge, Donaghey PS, Dungannon, St James’s PS, Newtownabbey, Killard House, Donaghadee (post-primary), St Colman’s PS, Lisburn, St Patrick’s PS, Crossmaglen, Strandtown PS, Belfast.
Exhibition Co-ordinator: Bryonie Reid
Exhibition Curator: Vanya Lambrecht Ward
Participants 237 school children in Northern Ireland; 8 artists; 9 teachers.
Opposite: Pupil from Donaghey Primary School, participating in Virtually There
Aim 1 Engagement and Co-creation Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019
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Gender Equality Project St Louise’s College, Belfast In 2019, Kids’ Own was awarded funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for a project exploring gender equality. Against the background of the Decade of Commemorations, and particularly the recent centenary celebration of women’s right to vote in 2018, our aim was to facilitate young teenage girls to articulate challenges and needs for greater social participation, empowerment, and equality.
Image from the Gender Equality Project
Through a meaningful creative process alongside writer and artist Alice Lyons,
Artists
and artists Sharon Kelly and Éanna Mac
Alice Lyons, Sharon Kelly, Éanna Mac Cana
Cana, participants responded to questions such as ‘What is it like to be a girl today?’
Venue
Through these processes, the participants
St Louise’s College, Falls Road, Belfast
explored issues of identity, peer pressures, social media and youth culture, and
Partners
allowed the girls to articulate some of their
St Louise’s College, Arts Council of
current social and emotional struggles
Northern Ireland
creatively in an open and safe environment.
Participants The group created striking artwork and
1st and 2nd year students at St Louise’s
writing in their exploration of their
College
experiences as girls. Artist Éanna Mac Cana documented the creative process and
Funded by
created a video which gives insight into
Arts Council of Northern Ireland Small
this process and which amplifies the girls’
Grants Programme
exploration of gender to the school and wider community.
Participant numbers 25 secondary school students. Link: https://vimeo.com/376166738
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Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aim 1 Engagement and Co-creation
Kids’ Own poetry and print workshops Wild Words Festival, The Dock As part of the Wild Words: Carrick on Shannon Festival for Young Writers, Kids’
Artists:
Own developed a two-day poetry and
Vanya Lambrecht Ward and Mary Branley
print workshop for children aged 6–9. The children worked alongside artist
Venue:
Vanya Lambrecht Ward and writer Mary
The Dock Arts Centre, Carrick on Shannon
Branley to develop their own hand-printed books. The participants explored shape
Partners:
and image and words, and created their
Wild Words Festival, the Dock Arts Centre,
own individual handprinted books. The
Leitrim County Council
workshops offered important creative opportunity for a younger age group
Participants:
than the main age profile of the festival
Local children aged 6–9
(approximately 12+).
Funded by: Leitrim County Council/Wild Words.
Participant numbers: 10 children
Poetry and Print workshop at The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon
Aim 1 Engagement and Co-creation Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019
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DLR Cruinniú na nÓg: The Kids’ Own Print Cart As part of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Cruinniú na nÓg programme, Kids’ Own received funding from DLR County Council to develop and facilitate a print and writing programme for 5th and 6th class children. Participants developed hand-printed books that celebrated a sense of place, identity, movement, migration and journeying through a collaborative process with artist Vanya Lambrecht Ward and writer Mary Branley. The young people developed their own individual works, which were brought
Children from Dominican Convent National School participating in the Print Cart project.
together into a combined large format,
Artists
limited-edition, hand-bound concertina
Vanya Lambrecht Ward and Mary Branley
book, which was displayed in the LexIcon from 15th June until the end of July as part
Venue
of the Cruinniú na nÓg celebrations.
DLR LexIcon, Dún Laoghaire
Partners DLR County Council, DLR LexIcon, Dominican Convent National School, Dún Laoghaire.
Participants 5th and 6th class students, Dominican Convent National School, Dún Laoghaire.
Funded by DLR County Council
Children from Dominican Convent National School participating in the Print Cart project.
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Participant numbers 25 primary school children
Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aim 1 Engagement and Co-creation
UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Kids’ Own developed a programme of creative engagement for a group of young people in Sligo which aimed to explore, respond to, and create awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Participants worked alongside artist Kiera O'Toole and writer Mary Branley to develop responses to the theme of “Acting to empower children, their families and communities to end poverty”. The process and work from these creative
Images from the UN Eradication of Poverty project
engagement sessions was installed and
Artists
exhibited in the Model Arts Centre, Sligo,
Kiera O’Toole and Mary Branley
by the group. There was a showcase of the work and a launch including spoken
Venue
word performances by the young people
Foróige CRIB Youth Project, Sligo, and the
involved.
Model, Sligo
Partners Foróige CRIB Youth Project
Participants Young people aged 14+ living in Sligo
Funded by Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Participant numbers 5 young people participated in the Images from the UN Eradication of Poverty project
programme. 40 people attended the exhibition and launch event in the Model.
Aim 1 Engagement and Co-creation Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019
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Here in Ourselves
with Mid West School for the Deaf This project consisted primarily of online
Artist
engagement between writer Jo Holmwood
Jo Holmwood
and young people from Senior Class 2 at Midwest School for the Deaf. It offered a
Venue
unique opportunity to children who are
Mid West School for the Deaf, Limerick
deaf or hard of hearing to have a platform for meaningful creative expression with
Partners
support and guidance from a professional
Mid West School for the Deaf
writer. Through online dialogue-based engagement via a shared interactive
Participants
whiteboard, the young people developed
Young people in Senior Class 2, their
their own voices and shared their thoughts,
teacher, Michelle Creed, and SNA, Nuala,
ideas, and personal stories. The project
Mid West School for the Deaf
began and concluded with a face-to-face visit with the writer. In the concluding
Funded by
session, the children spoke on video and
Creative Engagement and Creative Ireland
created their own life-sized cut-outs of
Limerick
themselves. Their work will be published in a book in autumn 2020.
Participant numbers
Participants of the Here in Ourselves project from Mid West School for the Deaf
7 young people and 2 teaching staff.
20 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aim 1 Engagement and Co-creation
LGBTI+ project In partnership with Youth Work Ireland – North Connaught / SMILY LGBTI+ Youth Project, Kids’ Own began a creative project with LGBTI+ young people in Sligo. This was the first phase of a proposed longer-term project, funded by the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy 2018–2020. This initial phase focused on creative engagement and exploration and provided LGBTI+ young people with the opportunity to establish what areas within their experience they would like to explore through artwork and writing. One of the aims of the creative engagement sessions was to facilitate the young people
Artwork created by young participants on the project
to identify important issues for their
Artists
professional youth service providers, which
Kiera O’Toole and Mary Branley
would be further developed in the next phase of the project, subject to funding.
Venue Youth Work Ireland – North Connaught, Sligo
Partners Youth Work Ireland – North Connaught / SMILY LGBTI+ Youth Project
Funded by LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy 2018-2020, Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Participant numbers 8 members of SMILY LGBTI+ youth group
Artwork created by young participants on the project
Aim 1 Engagement and Co-creation Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019
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A participant on the Here in Ourselves project from Mid West School for the Deaf
AIM 2 Visibility of Children’s Work Increase the visibility to children’s artwork and writing through publishing, exhibition and dissemination. Important cultural moments, collective and individual experience, and our ways of being in and experiencing the world are often most keenly communicated through and reflected in the arts. We believe that children deserve and require this opportunity no less than adults and that their voices and creative expressions also need to be visible and valued. We are passionate believers in the value of arts and creativity in children’s lives and work to ensure that children’s creative expression has the appropriate platform. As Ireland’s only dedicated publisher of books by children, and a leading children’s arts organisation, Kids’ Own seeks to address the systematic dismissal of children’s voices within our society. Over 22 years of publishing books by children for children, Kids’ Own has sought to redefine children’s status as artists and writers and to champion their voices and impact within our society. Through our publishing history, we have developed a canon of books by children for children, offering real insights into children’s lived experiences across a range of contexts. In 2019, we undertook numerous activities to promote and make visible our work, including our Visibility and Dissemination Plan, funded by the Arts Council.
Launch of This Giant Tent Book launches are an important part of the book-making process and provide children, their families, and the wider community with an opportunity to come together and celebrate children’s voices and creative work. In April 2019, This Giant Tent: A children’s celebration of culture and identity in response to the Travellers’ Journey/Mincéir Misli’d exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, was launched at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life. There were welcome
Children from Scoíl Íosa attending and reading at the launch of This Giant Tent
messages in numerous languages from
Artists
the children, speeches from Lynn Scarff,
Cass McCarthy and Mary Branley
Director of the National Museum, and all partners involved. Minister of State at the
Children
Department of Justice and Equality David
5th and 6th class students from Scoil Íosa,
Stanton sent a special video message, and
Ballina, and members of Involve Youth
artist Leanne McDonagh spoke about
Group, Ballina.
the value of the project and the work the children had created. All of the children
Attendees
involved read from their work.
100
Children from Scoíl Íosa attending and reading at the launch of This Giant Tent
24 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 AIM 2 Visibility of Children’s Work
Launch of new Kids’ Own website and archive In January 2019, we launched our brand-
The pieces displayed will be curated on a
new website. The newly-developed online
rotating basis by Kids’ Own and offers the
space includes a “Look at this!” section,
viewer a glimpse into the rich and unique
which features a selection of pieces from
archive of children’s creative work.
our 22–year archive of children’s and young people’s artwork and writing.
Kids’ Own website pages
New video about Kids’ Own In 2019, Kids’ Own commissioned Pink Lime Studios to create a new, short video about our mission, values, and way of working. https://vimeo.com/manage/340464197/ general
Stills from Kids’ Own video
AIM 2 Visibility of Children’s Work Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019
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National Lottery Good Causes Awards In 2019, Kids’ Own applied to the National
Creative Director Jo Holmwood and
Lottery Good Causes Awards under the Arts
Associate Writer Mary Branley presented to
and Culture category. We were delighted
a panel of judges in Athlone. In November
to be announced as category winners in
2019 at a gala awards ceremony, Kids’ Own
County Sligo, and later regional category
was announced as the winner of the Arts
winners in the northwest. The National
and Culture category, winning a prize fund
Lottery team made a special video about
of €10,000 and earning a significant amount
Kids’ Own, which included interviews
of national and local media coverage.
with the Kids’ Own team and with children involved in making the book A Strong
Attendees
Heart.
400 Video link: https://vimeo.com/369797450
Jo Holmwood, Director of Kids’ Own, receiving the Lotto Good Causes Award
26 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 AIM 2 Visibility of Children’s Work
Visibility and Dissemination project In 2018, Kids’ Own developed an ambitious
The first two strands relate specifically
Dissemination and Visibility Plan, to build
to our aim to increase the visibility of
on previous years’ strategic development
children’s work and will be outlined here.
guided by our three-year strategy (2017– 2020). Our Dissemination and Visibility Plan set out how we would reach new audiences, raise the level of our local, regional and national visibility, and national and international advocacy. This project had four
1 Visibility and Identity of Kids’ Own 2 Dissemination of Kids’ Own Books/ Artwork and Writing
strands and was conducted throughout
3 Practice Artists’ Supports (This strand is outlined in more detail
2019 with funding from the Arts Council.
under Aim 3)
4 International Engagement and Advocacy (This strand is outlined in more detail under Aim 4)
Kids’ Own at Cáirde Arts Festival ‘Park Fest’ Kids’ Own hosted an information and book stand at Cáirde Arts Festival’s Park Fest in summer 2019. Cáirde’s focus on collaboration and diversity made it an ideal space to showcase Kids’ Own’s work in the local community and we hope to build on plans for future collaboration.
Attendees c. 400
AIM 2 Visibility of Children’s Work Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019
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Strand 1 of Kids’ Own Visibility and Dissemination Plan: Visibility and Identity of Kids’ Own
Kids’ Own brand and design refresh The Kids’ Own team worked with designer
The result of the design process was a
Martin Corr, who has worked on the design
logo that acted as a vessel or holder for
of numerous Kids’ Own publications in
children’s artwork, imagery from projects,
recent years and who has an in-depth
and more. The typography itself – the font,
understanding of Kids’ Own’s way of
layout, kerning and most importantly the
working and the process of collaboration
apostrophe, denoting ownership – are the
between children and artists. Most
design elements that will remain constant.
importantly, we wanted our brand refresh to reflect the centrality of children’s work and creativity, and children’s ownership of the creative process.
New Kids’ Own logo. The logo was designed to be adaptable to different colours and formats, for both print and online use.
28 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 AIM 2 Visibility of Children’s Work
New shop-front sign and custom-designed window display In 2019, as part of our Visibility and
We also commissioned a specially-designed
Dissemination Plan, we made some
display unit for Kids’ Own books which
striking new changes to the appearance of
is a prominent feature of our building’s
our building’s shop front and window. Local
façade. The custom-designed window
heritage sign-painter Gerry McGarrigle
display allows us to exhibit a range of Kids’
hand-painted our newly-designed logo on
Own books, and allows the public to see
to the shop front.
details from the books and to read about the background to different projects. The window display holds great potential for showcasing original artwork from various projects, or for exhibiting work focused on
New signage on Kids’ Own office at Wolf Tone Street
one project, or on a particular theme/issue.
AIM 2 Visibility of Children’s Work Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 29
Strand 2 of Kids’ Own Visibility and Dissemination Plan: Dissemination of Kids’ Own Books/Artwork and Writing
Stocking the Libraries Library services across Ireland are hugely
Following contact with libraries, we
important to Kids’ Own and have formed
arranged to send out sets of Kids’ Own
the basis of many partnerships for creative
books (10 of our most recent titles and
engagement and collaborative publishing
which are currently in stock) to County
projects over the years. Ensuring that full
Libraries. The response from libraries
sets of Kids’ Own books are available in
was overwhelmingly positive, and various
libraries also provides us with an important
County Libraries requested up to 10 sets
mode of developing and widening the
of Kids’ Own books, which the County
audience for Kids’ Own books and creating
Libraries would distribute across local
further awareness of the work that we
branches. To date, we have sent out 100 sets
do amongst library users. While many
of books to libraries across the country.
libraries had copies of older Kids’ Own titles, we wanted to ensure that the libraries
Audience figures
had all of our books currently in stock.
1000 books sent to 100 libraries nationwide.
The Kids’ Own office library
30 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 AIM 2 Visibility of Children’s Work
Video Series – readings from Kids’ Own books In order to reach wider audiences with our
Colm O’Gorman
publications and work through another
Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of
medium, we have developed a video
Amnesty International Ireland, reading
series of individuals with public profiles
from I Hope You Grow: Poetry, stories and
reading from Kids’ Own books. These
artwork by children living in temporary
short readings will feature on our website
accommodation in Dublin.
alongside the corresponding book in our
https://vimeo.com/378825512
online bookshop. This will be a significant addition to our online space and will give
Leanne McDonagh
visitors to our page a greater sense of Kids’
Leanne McDonagh, artist and Traveller
Own books and their importance. In 2019,
Education Co-Ordinator at CIT, reading
we filmed the following:
from This Giant Tent: A children’s celebration of culture and identity in
Susan O’Keeffe
response to the Travellers’ Journey/Mincéir
Susan O’Keeffe, Former Senator and
Misli’d exhibition at the National Museum of
Director of the Yeats’ Society, reading an
Ireland – Country Life.
excerpt about women’s suffrage from
https://vimeo.com/399916094
Across an Open Field: Stories and artwork by children from Ireland and Northern Ireland about the Decade of Commemorations 1912–1922. https://vimeo.com/404594207
Above: Leanne McDonnagh reading from This Giant Tent Opposite left: Susan O’Keefe reading from Across an Open Field
Who we are Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019
31
Artwork from the Poetry and Print workshops at The Dock
AIM 3 Professional Arts Practice with Children Strengthen the practice of artists and other professionals who work with children and young people Our core value of affording children opportunities for meaningful creative expression depends on our respect for and commitment to professional artists, particularly those who value working with children as an important part of their own arts practice. This strategic aim therefore informs each aspect of our work and requires continuous and careful attention. We honour our strategic role in the development of the sector in a number of ways. In the development of Kids’ Own projects, we continue to lead through exemplary practice, in which the artist’s knowledge and expertise in collaborating with children is valued and recognised. We aim to support our associate artists through various initiatives, such as our artist retreat in 2019, “An Island Away”, and in the provision of opportunities for professional development, as well as through continuous support from Kids’ Own throughout projects and our commitment to leading by example in our remuneration and expectations of artists. In our management of the Arts in Education Portal, we bring our extensive knowledge of the sector to a wider audience by developing engaging content, run inspiring and useful sectoral events and networking opportunities, and continue to promote excellence of practice within this arena.
New tender awarded to Kids’ Own to manage the Arts in Education Portal the management of the Arts in Education
Among the features of the Commissioning Plan in 2019 were:
Portal – the key national digital resource of
• Guest Blogger series
arts in education practice in Ireland – for
• Commissioned critical essays
a further two years, until 2021, with the
• Live offline events (see below)
option to extend for a third year to 2022.
• Documentation awards (see below)
In 2019, Kids’ Own successfully tendered for
Kids’ Own will bring our critical knowledge of the sector to our continued management
Portal statistics 2019
and development of the Arts in Education
Total site visits: 23,324
Portal and to promote excellence of practice
Users: 15,851
through this resource.
Newsletter subscribers: 829 Facebook and Twitter followers: 3,788
The Portal is live at www.artsineducation.ie
Video views: 2,028 Regional/National Day attendees: 167
Commissioned Content As an extension of our day-to-day management of the Arts in Education Portal, Kids’ Own develops specially commissioned features that enhance the content of the site, to ensure that it remains dynamic, relevant and continually updated for our dedicated audience.
34 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aim 3 Professional Arts Practice with Children
Artist Helen Barry participating in a circus skills workshop as part of the Arts in Education Portal National Day
Arts in Education Regional Day, The Sculpture Centre Manorhamilton In Spring 2019, and following on from previous successful regional days in Cork and Dún Laoghaire, Kids’ Own developed and managed this sectoral event, designed to be an informal day of sharing experience and best practice from the sector. The programme featured presentations by Aideen McCole of the Irish Architecture Foundation and participants in the IAF’s National Architects in Schools programme; a presentation on collaborative publishing with children by Kids’ Own, and a hands-
Artist Vanya Lambrecht Ward leads a workshop on folding for attendees at the Arts in Education Portal Regional Day in Manorhamilton, Leitrim
on, experiential workshop on folding and creating three-dimensional space led by artist Vanya Lambrecht-Ward. The event was attended by 40 people, including teachers, artists, sector professionals, and other interested members of the public.
Attendees: 40
Artist Vanya Lambrecht Ward leads a workshop on folding for attendees at the Arts in Education Portal Regional Day in Manorhamilton, Leitrim
36 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aim 3 Professional Arts Practice with Children
National Arts in Education Portal Day, ILAS, NUI Galway In November 2019, the 4th annual National
Keynote speaker Professor Bill Lucas
Arts in Education Portal Day was held in
explored the importance of creativity in
the Institute for Lifecourse and Society
schools. Minister of State for the Irish
(ILAS), National University of Ireland
Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands,
Galway (NUIG) in partnership with ILAS
Seán Kyne, attended the opening of
and Babóro. The event continues to grow
the National Day and commended the
and develop as one of the key arts and
opportunities it afforded to the sector.
education events in the country, and saw over 150 artists, teachers and arts in
Attendees:
education professionals in attendance with
127
20 workshops and lectures across the day by a range of presenters from the sector.
https://vimeo.com/381018969
Arts in Education Portal National Day attendees participating in a workshop
Aim 3 Professional Arts Practice with Children Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019
37
Documentation Awards In 2019, six arts in education projects
The awardees were:
from around the country were awarded
Funded by the Arts in Education Portal
documentation supports by the Arts in
Commissioning Fund
Education Portal Editorial Committee, which would facilitate the creation
• ‘A Sensory Experience of My Place’,
of a video to explore the processes
Gaelscoil an Chaisleáin, with dance
underpinning their work and to showcase
artist, Lisa Cliffe
these insights with the wider arts in
https://vimeo.com/385849331
education community via the Portal. • TAIM Trail of Art in Midleton https://vimeo.com/375646741 • Creative Clusters Initiative – Bee Creative https://vimeo.com/357062216 • Future Forms Project, The Glucksman, University College Cork: https://vimeo.com/337881215 With special funding from the Teacher– Artist Partnership Initiative • Teacher-Artist Partnership, Holy Family Junior School, Portlaoise https://vimeo.com/359318157 • Teacher–Artist Partnership, Rockboro Primary School, Cork Printmaking led by artist Vanya Lambrecht Ward
https://vimeo.com/337881215
38 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aim 3 Professional Arts Practice with Children
Strand 3 of Kids’ Own Visibility and Dissemination Plan: Practice/Artists’ Supports
An Island Away From 2nd to the 5th of October, Kids’ Own
During the residential, we harnessed a
hosted an immersive, residential event in
huge amount of collective knowledge and
memory of Orla Kenny, former Creative
expertise of the artists present, which
Director of Kids’ Own, with the artists/
will inform a forthcoming methodology
writers that she worked closely with over
document on Kids’ Own’s approach to
many years. This artist residential took
meaningful collaboration and engagement
place on a small island off the Donegal
with children and young people.
coast to celebrate and reflect on Orla’s, and
This will promote the practices and
Kids’ Own’s, influence on the practice of
approaches that underpin the ethos of Kids’
participating artists.
Own, and have been developed through long-term partnerships with professional artists. The methodology document will be published and disseminated widely across relevant networks in 2020. Attendees: 8
Images from An Island Away
Images from An Island Away
Aim 3 Professional Arts Practice with Children Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 39
Artwork on display from the UN Eradication of Poverty project
AIM 4 Research and Advocacy Strive to build evidence and lead change towards children’s inclusion as active creators.
Kids’ Own at the Arts in Education Portal Regional Day
Arts in Society Conference, Lisbon In June 2019, acting Creative Director Alice Lyons and Action Researcher Byronie Reid presented our long-term, virtual artist-inresidence project, Virtually There, which
The Arts in Education Portal Regional Day
has been running since 2007. Bryonie has
was held in Manorhamiliton, Co Leitrim in
been carrying out longitudinal action
2019, and sought to share the experiences
research on Virtually There, a project
and knowledge of relevant organisations
which supports artists to connect from
working in or based in the northwest. As a
their studios with teachers and children in
children’s arts organisation based in Sligo
the classroom, engaging in contemporary
and with extensive experience working
art practice that stems from the artists’ own
in the arts and education sector, Kids’
studio practice.
Own’s Creative Director Jo Holmwood and Associate Writer Mary Branley presented
This research will be published and
on collaborative publishing projects with
disseminated in Spring 2020. The Arts
children.
in Society conference was an important opportunity to present some of this
Attendees:
research and promote the forthcoming
c.40
publication of this research. Attendees: 345
42 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aim 4 Research and Advocacy
Virtually There Research continues In June 2019, acting Creative Director Alice
This research will be published and
Lyons and Action Researcher Byronie Reid
disseminated in Spring 2020. The Arts
presented our long-term, virtual artist-in-
in Society conference was an important
residence project, Virtually There, which
opportunity to present some of this
has been running since 2007. Bryonie has
research and promote the forthcoming
been carrying out longitudinal action
publication of this research.
research on Virtually There, a project which supports artists to connect from
Attendees:
their studios with teachers and children in
345
the classroom, engaging in contemporary art practice that stems from the artists’ own studio practice.
A pupil of St James’s Primary School in Newtownabbey connecting virtually with artist Naomi Draper
Aim 4 Research and Advocacy Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 43
Artwork from the Poetry and Print workshops at The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon
AIM 5 Building our internal capacity Ensure Kids’ Own has the capacity to achieve its strategic aims
Executive and board level changes
Achievements and outputs
In January 2019, following an open
Audience figures
and competitive interview process,
In 2019, Kids’ Own engaged with:
Jo Holmwood was appointed Creative Director/CEO of Kids’ Own. Prior to her appointment, Jo had been working with
• 327 children through direction engagement and co-creation;
Kids’ Own for ten years. Between the months of April and October
• 440 children and parents as public audiences for our work;
2019, the Director took maternity leave and her post was filled by Project Manager,
• 405 sector professionals;
Alice Lyons. Alice subsequently left the organisation to take up a post elsewhere.
Staff promotions In September 2019, Ciara Gallagher was promoted to Project Manager and Emma Kavanagh was given a new job title as
• Online audience of 5244 + 12,525 Portal users • Book audience of 5282 readers* (*Conservative estimate based on book sales and libraries mailout)
Digital Content Manager.
Board expansion
• Kids’ Own video views: 3522
Michael Kirby joined the Kids’ Own board in September 2019, bringing with him a wealth of experience in business and management consultancy, including extensive in the not-for-profit sector. Maria Corbett resigned as Chair of the Kids’ Own board and Jennifer Hennessy was appointed Chair at the board meeting in September 2019. At the same meeting, Jennifer Hennessy stepped down as Treasurer and Mark O’Brien was appointed new Treasurer.
46 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aim 5 Building our internal capacity
Testimonials This project saved our lives because it was very interesting to learn about different cultures and different people and I didn’t believe in myself and now I do. I saw the others painting and that the teachers didn’t care what the others did and I started to believe that I could do the same. I don’t need to impress myself beside other people. Weronika, participant in Travellers’ Journey project/ This Giant Tent
Wexford Libraries received their Kids' Own books today! These books contain inspiring and moving poetry, stories, research and artwork by children for children. Books of fun and games helping children make friends, traditions, new languages, new vocabulary. Sharing their experiences these books give our children a voice. Well done everyone! Wexford County Library Service
So many times, I’m just reminded that the limitations we set as adults are so often proved wrong when we bring it back to the kids. It was such a strong experience. I try not to let myself be limited by my preconceptions about what will work or will not work. Artist Ann Henderson, in reference to the Virtually There Project.
Libraries [in Northern Ireland] have benefited from previous work with Kids Own especially in the Peace Generation and the recent Young Writers project. I have personally been impressed with the way you blend a professional approach with the flexibility to meet the demands and special circumstances of different communities. Trisha Ward, Assistant Director, Libraries NI
Future plans Creative plan: In 2019 we were forging new partnerships
Kids’ Own has always been committed
and planning ahead for a range of projects
to a vision of society where children are
that would come to fruition in 2020. Among
recognised as active and equal cultural
these are collaborative projects that involve
citizens and change-makers within
the following partners:
their communities. We are particularly interested in pursuing projects relation
• Youth Work Ireland North Connaught/
children and young people agents of social
SMILY LGBTI+ Youth Project
change, in how children and young people can help redefine our society and our world
• Mayo County Council
through creative means. We are currently pursuing plans for a large-scale project
• National Museum of Ireland –
with these ideals in mind and which would
Country Life
use the Sustainable Development Goals as a starting point to connect children
• Donegal County Library Service and
and young people across communities
Libraries NI
throughout Ireland and further afield.
• Community Foundation of Ireland
We are continuing to seek funding to develop the ground floor of the Kids’ Own office into a creative work space where we can offer engagement, including longerterm programmes, for children and young people in the Sligo area as well as the greater northwest region.
48 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Aim 5 Building our internal capacity
Employment structure Staff, skills and expertise, roles and responsibilities. Creative Director – Jo Holmwood Jo is a writer and editor and trained in
Digital Content Manager – Emma Kavanagh
Drama and Theatre Studies/Spanish
Emma graduated from NCAD in 2004
Language and Literature at Trinity College,
with a Bachelor of Design specialising in
Dublin. She has 15 years’ experience
Metalwork. In 2009 she earned an Honours
working in the children’s cultural sector.
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Policy &
During her time with Kids’ Own, she has
Practice at the National University of
devised and managed an extensive range
Ireland, Galway and since then has been
of collaborative projects with children
working in the professional arts and
and artists and has edited and published
cultural sector. Through her work in
dozens of book titles with and by children
community and educational arts practise
and young people.
Emma developed a keen interest in digital media and technology which led to her
In her role as Creative Director, she is
work as a Digital Supports Consultant.
responsible for the successful delivery
During her time with Kids’ Own Emma
of Kids’ Own’s strategic plan, sound
has managed a number of collaborative
governance and financial stability of
projects and has continued to utilise her
the organisation, fundraising, HR,
skills in digital media as editor of the Arts
sustainability and creative planning.
in Education Portal, the national digital resource for arts in education and creative practise in Ireland. In her current role as Digital Content Manager, Emma is responsible for the management of the technical needs of Kids’ Own including the Kids’ Own Archive, alongside continuing management of the Arts in Education Portal on behalf of the Portal Editorial Committee, including the successful delivery of the Portal Content Strategy and Portal events.
Who we are Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 49
Staff, skills and expertise, roles and responsibilities cont’d Creative Director (Maternity Cover) Project Manager – Ciara Gallagher – Alice Lyons Alice Lyons, a poet and cross-disciplinary
Ciara has worked as researcher on
artist, holds a Ph.D. from the Seamus
children’s books projects including the
Heaney Centre for Poetry, Queen’s
National Collection of Children’s Books
University, Belfast, and postgraduate
at Trinity College Dublin, and “Gender
degrees in Sociolinguistics and Fine Art
Identity: Child Readers and Library
from the University of Pennsylvania and
Collections” at the Centre for Children’s
Boston University, respectively. Her third
Literature and Culture, Dublin City
collection of poetry is The Breadbasket
University. She is the co-editor of the
of Europe (Veer Books, London, 2016).
volume Constructions of the Irish Child
Among the honours she has received are
in the Independence Period 1910-1940
a Radcliffe Fellowship in Poetry & New
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2018). Ciara has
Media, Harvard University (2015/16) and
worked with the Museum of Childhood
the Patrick Kavanagh Award for Poetry
project, and helps to run a small charity,
(2002). Alice has worked for many years
Providence Education, which supports
as a lecturer in English and Fine Art and
Providence school in north-east India. She
as a literary and fine arts curator. She was
has also taught in a number of universities
visual arts curator at The Dock, Carrick-
in Ireland and has worked in various
on-Shannon, County Leitrim (2008-2015),
administrative positions in the non-profit
Assistant Commissioner for Ireland at the
and public sector.
2009 Venice Biennale and Curator of Poetry Now, Dublin’s international poetry festival
Ciara was promoted to Project Manager
(2014-2017).
in September 2019. In this new role, she is responsible for the planning and delivery
Alice stepped up from her role as Project
of Kids’ Own book and residency projects.
Manager into the role of Creative Director
This includes fundraising, developing
for a six-month period of maternity cover in
new partnerships, project planning in
2019.
collaboration with associate artists, budget management, documentation and strategic planning alongside the creative director.
50 Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019 Who we are
Financial Summary Gross total income in 2019 €275,825 Gross total expenditure in 2019 €267,864 Value of net assets at year end €27,739 2019 accounts were audited by Mulhern Leonard and Associates, Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm, Mail Coach House, Mail Coach Road, Sligo. Children from Donaghey Primary School, participating in Virtually There
Financial Summary Kids’ Own Annual Activity Report 2019
51
Left top and bottom: UN Eradication of Poverty Project Right: Vanya Lambrecht Ward leading a workshops at the Arts in Education Portal Regional Day, Manorhamilton
Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership CLG 40 Wolfe Tone Street, Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland, F91 R231
www.kidsown.ie
