For Cruinniú na nÓg 2022 we launched a new monthly online story writing programme from the Museum of Childhood Ireland for Children and Youth aged up to 18 years
Following on from the wonderful experiences of our previous creative writing initiatives, and popular teen in-person writing club, this is a new monthly online workshop to celebrate, and promote writing amongst young people across the island of Ireland and beyond.
We welcome you to explore writing stories, nonfiction, essays, conversations, scripts, plays, personal reflections…
This will be a space where youth is inspired to create by looking at their own experiences, what is happening in the world right now, the collections and practices of the museum, and by each other’s work.
Glantór is a youth empowerment/ mental health initiative of our Youth Voices team for Cruinnú na nÓg, empowering young people to express themselves, ensuring they be seen and heard.
What is Glantór ?
Glantór, is an initiative of the Youth Voices team ( up to 18 years) at the Museum of Childhood Ireland
It is a dedicated monthly online workshop designed to promote the diversity and inclusivity of Writing by Youth in Ireland up to 18 years of age, across all communities.
About our Glantór/ Eraser platform: The purpose of Glantór it is that it will serve as a mental health support for youth on the island as they navigate a post pandemic Ireland.
In a changed world the need for the voices of our youth to be front and centre is greater than ever. Their thoughts and opinions need to be expressed. Through Writing in this group, it welcomes a sharing of feelings, thoughts and emotions, and a sense of solidarity, of confidence, inviting young people to express themselves on the topics they choose, in the creative medium of their choice, in their authentic voice, within the workshop. Their work will be private, unless they wish to share.
By encouraging youth in a post pandemic world to be Seen and Heard as their Right, it also provides a group space for self expression – a real opportunity for understanding, for social cohesion, for encouraging dialogue, and open and honest conversations that have the potential for significant impact- for creating change.
We have precedence in this area, which serves as background for this particular project.
In March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic here our mental health initiative for children and youth went global. Project 2020 Together, Le chéile’ saw entries pouring in not just from Ireland but from youth around the globe. We were surprised and delighted too that our unfunded, voluntary museum’s online exhibition of work was shortlisted as a finalist, from over 400 museum initiatives worldwide, by an international panel of museum experts, alongside such established luminaries as the Rijksmuseum, the Warhol, and the National Gallery of Singapore.
Physical exhibitions of P2020 ensued too: Ireland, Italy, USA and Nepal, and and at home in the National Park, Killarney, the People’s Museum, Limerick and in Dublin City centre at the Robert Emmet CDP. We have been invited to exhibit in early 2022 in the town square of the city of Rubano, Italy, at the invitation of the Mayor and the Councillor for Culture, Arts and Youth policy.
Our reach is extensive through our social media platforms ( On Facebook alone we have over 35,000 followers ), and an established Islandwide and global network.
We have engaged in Youth Mental Health initiative partnerships. https://museumofchildhood.ie/international-adolescent-health-week-21-27th-march/
We have dedicated Children’s Rights and Education teams at the Museum of Childhood Ireland, belong to Child / Youth Rights groups such as the CRA and are actively involved in the Children’s Futures campaign.
We have partnerships and upcoming planned initiatives on Youth Participation with organisations islandwide.
The Museum of Childhood Ireland have child/ vulnerable adult safeguarding and protection policies in place and all volunteers who work with children / youth are Garda vetted via Create.
If you would like to reserve a place for your child, teenager or school group in the Glantór Writing Workshop, please contact:
mmcallister@museumofchildhood.ie
or
info@museumofchildhood.ie
Children/Youth are welcome to participate in writing through English, Irish, or in their mother tongue.
We are happy where possible to help transcribe scripts. (By arrangement)
Tel: +353 87 681 6760
Contact: info@museumofchildhood.ie
Or Tel: +353 87 681 6760
Established and young guest writer mentors will feature regularly
Apply here. We ask that a responsible adult apply on behalf of minors. 👇
mmcallister@museumofchildhood.ie
Terms and Conditions apply.
The Museum of Childhood Ireland have firm Child Protection Policies in place.
Don’t forget to check out our Facebook, Instagram Twitter and Linkedin accounts and our website
Or Tel: +353 87 681 6760
