In 2022 we are really pleased to have built new relationships with communities that promise to
enrich our artistic programme and audience experience.
The Cork Migrant Centre, based at the wonderful Nano Nagle Centre in Cork City comes on board
with their spirit lifting Ubuntu dance show. Ubuntu is a Zulu word which describes the interconnectedness of all people. Originally aired as part of RTE’s ‘Change Makers’ television series, the show celebrates hip-hop arts and culture and demonstrates how music, dance and art is a global youth form of expression enabling and encouraging dialogue between people of diverse cultures.
Through visits and conversations with Dr Naomi Masheti, Programme Coordinator and her team
(Fionnuala O’Connell, Youth Coordinator and Greta Greta Mališauskaitė, Project Support) we also
discovered the lovely work of the Saoirse Hands On Deck seamstresses and were struck by the
powerful role that art and language has played in forging links and breaking down cultural barriers
through the work produced from their Mother Tongue project.
The initiative combines sayings and wisdoms that mothers have shared for generations with their
children. The project facilitates the intergenerational transfer of wisdom and knowledge and
celebrates cultural particularities while highlighting the connections which unite mothers and
women across all boundaries, both physical and imagined.
The project is sponsored by the social enterprise platform, Saoirse, Ethnic Hands On Deck
In 2021, migrant women participated in a series of workshops facilitated by renowned artist Deirdre
Breen, where they talked about cultural differences and what they remembered their mothers
saying to them as children.
A collection of Mother Tongue graphic designs were customised and screen printed onto Tote bags
that the Saoirse Seamstresses made. Fabric remnants are used to craft decorations and greeting
cards. Kinsale Arts Weekend is proud to welcome these ladies and showcase their work.
We have also developed connections with our newly arrived Ukrainian visitors through the
assistance of the West Cork Development Partnership (WCDP) and local development officer, Jimeve
O’Neill. The WCDP through their “Failte Isteach programme is helping migrants and communities to
come together and create positive experiences for everyone. It encourages and supports the sharing
of skills, knowledge, and culture along with promoting active citizenship.
Jimeve has invited a group of Ukrainian photographers to share their first impressions of Kinsale and
their experiences in Ireland. We are honoured to host an exhibition of their work along with the
work of individual artists in their community as part of KAW 2022