The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children and The Community of Fatima Mansions present
The Butterfly Effect: An Arklink Retrospective
Supported by Fatima Regeneration Board through the Fatima Public Art Working Group and the Irish Youth Foundation.
| Dates: | 29 November – 6 January* | |
| Times: | Monday to Saturday, 12.pm – 4.30pm | |
| Age Range: | All | |
| Class Range: | All | |
| Price: | FREE | |
| Seminar: | Wednesday 13 December 6pm | |
| Facilitated Tours | School | 11:15am and 1:15pm, Monday to Friday until Christmas |
| Other Groups | 3:15pm, Tuesday to Thursday until Christmas | |
| *Please note that The Ark will be closed between 22–26 December and 31 December – 1 January. | ||
Since 1999, The Ark has been working with
the children of Fatima Mansions through ArkLink, a year-round community
based arts programme. This unique project, funded by The Atlantic
Philanthropies and The Irish Youth Foundation, was built on the belief
that well-designed community arts practice can enrich the lives of
children, and by extension, their community. Through the years, ArkLink
has provided children with a range of cultural activities in the
areas of visual arts, film, music and dance to nurture them in all
areas of their lives as they grow to adulthood.
In the time since The Ark started working in Fatima, the landscape
has changed completely with the first phase of the regeneration complete
and families settled in their new homes. This year marks an exciting
new departure for ArkLink as the initial pilot phase ends. From now
on the work inspired by ArkLink will be managed by Fatima Regeneration
Board and integrated into the community. Working closely with Fatima
Groups United, it will continue to work to implement the arts and cultural
strand of the Social Regeneration Plan as a new future for the community
begins.
To mark this pivotal moment and to celebrate the children as artists,
The Ark is delighted to host this remarkable exhibition of art created
by the children of Fatima through ArkLink. From a collection of dramatic
hats inspired by Philip Treacy’s work, to a series of bold paintings
in relief titled In and out of the frame, The Butterfly Effect also
highlights the programme as a unique and important model of arts practice
with children.
The accompanying catalogue, published by The Ark, A Cultural Centre
for Children in partnership with Fatima Groups United, will document
the history of the project and publish the work of the many talented
young artists who have passed through the doors of ArkLink. The publication
may be purchased from The Ark.
A seminar, chaired by Martin Drury will be held to stimulate discussion around
community arts provision for children among a variety of professionals and those
interested in the creative welfare and development of children. Places at this
seminar may be booked through The Ark’s box office. Facilitated group tours
of the exhibition may be booked on request. We would especially welcome community
groups, arts practitioners, educators and those working with children. Please
enquire at The Ark’s box office.
Teacher’s Corner
Teachers wishing to bring their class groups along to the exhibition should book in advance through The Ark’s box office. Teachers are also welcome, and encouraged, to attend the ArkLink seminar.
