ArtsLink DVD Launched

Co-operation Ireland recently launched its latest teaching and learning resource, produced during the arts based project ArtsLInk. The DVD, which was launched at Ashfield Girls School, Belfast, is the culmination of the experience gained over a four year period from Co-operation Ireland’s innovative arts projects Visions and ArtsLink. The fruits of this ArtsLink project was the making of 16 one-minute films during first exchange, 10 documentary films based in each school’s community about life as seen through the eyes of the young people and 10 jointly produced music videos on second exchange.

Paula Madigan, ArtsLinks Project Manager said, "During the lifetime of the Artslink project, we saw the creative expression of the young people flourish during the making of these short films. Over the course of the exchange visits, each partnership made a music video reflecting the commonalty of issues which are pertinent to young people on both sides of the border; the themes of teenage bullying, HIV, alcohol/drug abuse were all covered in the making of these short films.  The project engendered a freedom of expression for the young people through music, drama and film, which removed barriers in communication and encouraged students to share their personal stories and the histories of their communities."

She continued, " The main benefits to the young people is their personal development, particularly their increased self-confidence. And according to Gabrielle Tuomey one of the Artslink teachers the students learnt the skills of trust and accommodation of others’ attitudes and opinions” as a result of taking part in Artslink."

It is expected that this DVD will be used as a as a training tool for other teachers/leaders who wish to use the creative arts as a tool for bringing young people together to break down barriers, examine our perceptions and in partnership build positive relationships. 

Paula concluded, "The Artslink DVD resource is a result of the hard work and commitment of both the teachers and young people involved in the Artslink programme who gave so generously of their free time to make this project such a success, all participating schools and teachers can be very proud of the learning that has been generated from their endeavors."