New arts in education initiative

Primary and post-primary schools across are being encouraged to apply for a new arts in education initiative, BLAST 2021.

BLAST – Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers – is a new initiative which will enable up to 400 new arts in education residencies in schools each year.

The aim of this scheme is to give pupils the opportunity to work with a professional artist on unique projects.

Cavan-Monaghan and North Meath Deputy, Niamh Smyth, said the initiative provides a vital function: “Creativity has an enormously positive impact on young people and never has this been more important. BLAST will support children and young people for an uncertain future where skills like the ability to connect and collaborate with others, engage in creative and critical thinking and practice inclusivity at every level will be paramount to peace, stability, sustainable economic growth and equality.

The Fianna Fáil TD said the programme will have a real impact: “I hope that this exciting BLAST initiative will help schools to further enhance creativity in their classrooms. It is important that our children are allowed to express themselves and learn to adapt and collaborate. The BLAST will give students of all ages the opportunity to develop these essential skills, enjoy and explore artistic and creative expression,” concluded Deputy Smyth.