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The development of my youth arts practice

In this her third blog artist Jen Hesnan reflects on her experience of working with Galway Autism Partnership discussing the development of her youth arts practice.

Jen, how would you describe the Exhibition Awesome project and your role within it, as you see it?

Exhibition Awesome was created as part of NYCI’s Artist in Youth Work Residency scheme during 2013. I was resident artist with Galway Autism Partnership which gave me the opportunity to work with young people on the autistic spectrum, to explore their special interests and to develop their artistic skills working through digital media. The project culminated in an exhibition of work which was exhibited in several local Galway venues including The Galway Art Centre, The Shed, The Westside Library and NUIG Quadrangle Gallery.

At the beginning of the residency I initially just observed Galway Autism Partnership’s youth work practice; taking time to just be in the setting enabled me to become more aware of the young people’s needs. As I observed, I began to realise that I had to tailor the programme specifically to the needs of each individual young person within the group. I had the idea that technology would be a common interest for participants, so that was my starting point.

At GAP we tried to involve each individual in the planned youth arts project through their own special interest- eg. video editing, design etc. while the common theme was digital media.  We felt that because creative practice is now such a part of many people’s everyday lives via the programmes available on devices such as smart phones and tablets, it was a good starting point.

In fact the word ‘Art’ wasn’t even mentioned until a positive relationship had been established between the participants and the artist. For me the most important part was building friendships and creating a safe positive atmosphere for the young people. Once the groundwork had been laid we could then engage in a process of collective responsibility for the work and process that was taking place.

You’ve had a two year period of working with Galway Autism Partnership. Can you describe how you feel your practice has evolved over this time?

As my practice develops, I am increasingly aware that tolerance and acceptance is so important in this work and definitely the more engagement that I have with participants the more I learn.  I am also more inclined to listen and engage the young people in more individual conversations first rather than have what might be described as a ‘classroom’ atmosphere.

I’ve also learnt in my work with GAP that it’s extremely important to check in with parents as the creative process is developing with young people as they can give you valuable feedback along the way.  When meeting the parents, I wanted the presentation that I gave to be creative so that they would have a sense of, the type of work that their children might be engaging with. I made a giant book and presented a visual plan to them. It went really well, I think it both reassured them about the process and made them really excited that this was an opportunity that their children could engage with.

Are there any methodologies that you use or questions that you might ask yourself that you feel assist you in developing your practice?

For me documenting and creating a video production for projects is core for reflection and development of both the programmes that I am working on and my own professional practice. No matter what art form I am using during the workshop, I will always have some video production activity happening in the background. This also allows for another point of engagement in case a young person doesn’t feel comfortable with partaking in a visual art or musical activity. There is always a way that every participant can be included and feel welcome.

Also I create workshop plans, evaluations, logic models; writing them up and keeping them safe is hugely important for me. This means they can be utilised and adapted into the future.

It’s clear that the Exhibition Awesome project went really well, but there must have been some challenges along the way. Can you describe them?

Within the process I had to micro-manage a number of different arts projects because I was responding to the particular needs of the group of young people I was working with in GAP.  As each participant had an individual plan devised for them, it could be challenging at times just ensuring that the programme was meeting the needs of each participant.

Also it can be challenging when communicating with parents, funders and organisations to explain that substantial outcomes can take time. So much of this work is about building friendships and creating a positive atmosphere that it’s usually only in the final phase of the process that actual making takes place. Sometimes it is helpful to realise that the process can be the outcome when the art forms are utilised as tools for engagement.  Using art forms such as video production and photography as an intrinsic part of the project can really help to paint this picture for those on the outside, not to mention functioning as a tool for reflection for those who were inside the arts process.

Content and views expressed by our guest bloggers in residence does not necessarily reflect the views of NYCI.

Next week in her fourth and final bog Jen will discuss the potential benefits for youth work organisations in making links with the wider creative community. 

 

 

John McArdle
John McArdle
John McArdle is a primary teacher, actor, former director of The Young Abbey, Hennessy award winner for short stories and winner of a European filmscript award. Among his works for young people are children’s stories, children’s radio, stage plays for Team Theatre in Education, The Ark, National Youth Theatre and The Peacock Theatre. Director of the performance module director on the Dramatherapy M.A in N.U.I. Maynooth, and Educational drama principal tutor of Queen’s University outreach M.A for Monaghan Education Centre, John is an acknowledged expert in educational drama and was the consultant to the primary schools drama curriculum and has written the pamphlet “Flying On Both Wings” for Abbey Outreach. Between 2005 and 2010 he was Artistic Director of Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney which ran an outreach youth programme.
See More Articles by John McArdle
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Dennis O'Brien

I have over 30 years experience in the voluntary Youth Work and Youth Sector in Ireland.

I am currently the Volunteer Development Manager with Forόige. In this role I am responsible for key tasks such as managing, developing and supporting the involvement of thousands of Forόige volunteers in all aspects of the organisation. I also lead on the design, dissemination and implementation of best practice standards in volunteer recruitment, management and retention policies and procedures. I am a member of Foróige’s child safeguarding and protection internal working group. I also was a member of the Ministerial advisory group for development of the National Volunteering Strategy, launched in late 2020, and I am currently on the communications working group for the role out of the strategy.

I believe that youth work’s essential role in young people’s lives has been made all the more obvious as a result of the pandemic. The restrictions caused by the need to protect vulnerable people in particular from COVID 19, were imposed on young people without them having any say in the matter. They became takes of others rules and priorities, without input or choice. This, while necessary at the time, is the exact opposite of what we want for young people. We want them to be heard, to be helped to develop their own views and values (not just absorb ours). We want them to be involved in decisions that impact on them and to feel they have an influence, with which comes connection to society and hope for the future. The National Youth Council of Ireland plays a huge role in representing the shared interests of the organisations who are its members. These organisations, large and small, bring a range of youth work approaches arising from various traditions and a focus on particular youth needs. The diversity of organisations provides choice and opportunity for young people to pursue their own interests.

This diversity presents a challenge too, in identifying and agreeing their shared interests on which NYCI can represent, advocate and influence. This calls for a president who will listen support, facilitate. It calls for an NYCI which is effective, well governed and compliant with all relevant governance and financial, management requirements.

I believe I have the necessary skills for this role from my role in Foróige and my previous experience on the board of NYCI, including a term as its vice president. I am aware of the need to represent negotiate, assert firmly but respectfully, to act together in seeking to influence government departments and politicians. I understand the need for a strong working relationship between president and CEO.

Nicola Toughey

Nicola has been involved in Girl Guiding for over 44 years and has been employed in the CGI National Office in Dublin since 2013. Nicola has also been a volunteer leader with CGI in Wexford for the last 19 years.

In her role as National Office Coordinator, Nicola works closely with the NYCI and members of other youth organisations, through the Specialist Organisations Network and represents CGI at numerous meetings. Nicola also attends meetings with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs representing the uniformed bodies of the Youth Work Electoral College.

Nicola has held voluntary positions within CGI of National Secretary and National Commissioner for Ranger Guides and was a member of the National Executive Board. Nicola continues to attend CGI Board meetings in her current role.

Before moving to Ireland, Nicola worked for the UK Government and the Environment Agency in the nuclear industry regulation division and was also a youth member and then volunteer with the Guide Association UK.

Greg Tierney

I am currently a Senior Manager with Crosscare Youth Services with over 20 years’ experience having started my youth work career in CYC in January 2000, and was part of the merger with Crosscare in 2013. I line-manage our 6 Dublin West and East Wicklow youth projects, and also have responsibility for Youth Information and Outdoor Learning in Crosscare.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies from Maynooth University, and last year I completed a masters qualification, gaining a (MSc) Master of Science in Innovation & Strategy in the Maynooth Business School. I feel there is a need to be innovative and strategic in future plans for the sector, as we seek to be sustainable and receive full cost recovery for the delivery of quality youth services.

I am currently a member of the Board of Adamstown Youth and Community Centre. This is in an area with broad cultural diversity and we are trying to develop some youth provision in this under-resourced area. We were recently approved for a new part-time youth worker and a dedicated Youth Diversion Project for Adamstown, to increase the Lucan Boundary. Greg has been a NYCI Board member for the last 3 years.

Eve Moody

Eve is an active leader in her locality currently working with girls between the ages of 5 and 7, and previously worked with Irish Girl Guides’ older branch for 10- to 14-year-olds. Eve has previously represented Irish Girl Guides at the Erasmus+; Get Active! Human rights education among young people workshop.

In addition, Eve sat on the Membership, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee for Irish Girl Guides. Eve is a primary school teacher and focused her college dissertation on the impact of period poverty in schools. Eve has been a NYCI Board member since 2021.

Claire Anderson

Claire Anderson has been working with Scouting Ireland since October 2020 in the role of Communications Officer. She is an experienced journalist, marketing manager and communications expert. Claire graduated with an MA in Journalism and New Media in 2015. She is based in Cork and has worked with several high-profile businesses including the Irish Examiner. Working in marketing communications from 2017, Claire has created and implemented advertising and communications strategy for company expansion into eight new markets. She has worked closely with colleagues to build effective communication practices and systems. She has managed all content production from production to publishing and most recently developed a new central website for Scouting Ireland. Claire has over seven years of experience leading content production and successful marketing campaigns. She completed a Diploma in User Experience and User Interface Design this year. She also runs her own marketing business. Claire has been involved in dance since she was a child and is a keen supporter of the arts. She has volunteered with Cork Feminista and Husky Rescue Ireland, however, she is not actively volunteering at present. Claire lives in the countryside with her partner, dog, cats and hens. She enjoys sea swimming and hiking in her spare time as well as training for her first 10k race.

Mick Ferron

Mick Ferron is currently the Regional Youth Services Manager with Sphere 17 Regional Youth Service.

Qualifications:
BA Social Science from UCD
Higher Diploma in Youth and Community work from NUI Maynooth.

Sphere 17 is a community-based regional youth service covering Dublin 17 and the Kilbarrack area of North Dublin. The service operates from four different youth centres in the catchment area providing a range of different programmes, activities and support for young people 10-24 years.
Sphere 17 believes all young people can achieve great things. Their mission is to support young people to be the best that they can be, and they do this in different ways for different young people, as they need it, through the varied services provided.

In addition to the UBU funded youth service activity, Sphere 17, in collaboration with local partners, also provides a youth counselling service – The Listen Project, manages the Woodale Youth Justice Project, and is the lead organisation behind Creative Places Darndale.

Prior to his 16 years in management with Sphere 17, Mick has worked in community-based youth service provision in Ballyfermot and in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. He has also worked in the homeless sector, and in a drugs education project in Cork.

David Backhouse

Originally from Canada, David Backhouse has been an active youth worker in Ireland since 2008. Chiefly through the YMCA, his involvement in many youth and community initiatives has brought him into partnership with Léargas, Cork City and County Councils, Irish Aid, CDYS, Youth Information, SpunOut, Comhairle ná nÓg, Foróige, Hub ná nÓg, Youth Work Ireland, CYPSC and many other local arts and community associations.

In 2016 David took up the role of Cork Regional Director for YMCA and in November 2019, began his current role as Deputy National Secretary, responsible for YMCA Ireland operations in the Republic of Ireland as well as providing support to all YMCA agencies north and south. He is passionate about Youth Participation, Creative Methodologies and the provision of high quality, well supported professional youth services to those in Ireland most in need.

RoseMarie Maughan

Rose Marie Maughan Is the National Traveller Youth Programme Coordinator with the Irish Traveller Movement. She has been working in the Irish Traveller Movement since 2004 on a local, regional, national and international level in different capacities such as Board member, National Accommodation Officer, Membership Officer, Education Officer, Project coordinator.

She has both a lived experience of being a young Traveller in Ireland and issues facing young Traveller youth today alongside an in-depth analysis of youth work and issues facing the sector. She strongly believes in youth’s right to self-determination and meaningful participiation in finding solutions to issues affecting their lives.

In her current role as National Traveller Programme Coordinator, she is overseeing the implementation of the Irish Traveller Movement’s Traveller Youth 5yr strategy working towards giving Traveller Youth a voice in all sectors of society.

Garry McHugh

Garry McHugh is National Director of Young Irish Film Makers, Ireland’s national youth film organisation. Responsible for strategic planning, fund raising, artistic and programme development. Managing partnerships with national funding bodies such as the Arts Council, Dept. of Children & Youth Affairs, Screen Ireland and the Education & Training Board.

Since taking over the National Development of the organisation in 2014, Garry has worked with the team at YIFM to grow the capacity of YIFM programmes to work with double the number of young people over the past five years, delivering five times the number of contact hours with participants. Young Irish Film Makers now work with over 1500 young people annually across Ireland through the youth arts practice of film and animation. Demand is continuing to grow as YIFM film making and animation workshops are recognised for their ability to deliver high quality outcomes for young people from all backgrounds.

Garry is heavily involved in the programme design and delivery of informal education workshops delivering quality personal, social and creative outcomes for young people across Ireland. With a focus on film and animation workshops for secondary schools, youth development agencies and youth workers nationwide.

Before he became involved in youth development and youth arts work, Garry was a professional filmmaker, musician and enjoyed treading the boards as an actor. He believes this grounding in the creative industries led him to where he works now, with young people through youth film programmes. He has twenty five years of experience in film production, broadcast radio and informal education & training. His CV ranges from corporate communications and music video production to training and informal education programmes in film, animation and digital media production.

Reuban Murray

My experience comes from my many years within the Irish Second-Level Students Union, chiefly as president during 2020-21 where I represented student’s throughout the covid-19 pandemic, working with the Department of Education and education stakeholders as part of the State exams Advisory group to do what was best for our young people through an extremely challenging time.

My other experience across other organisations such at Spuntout.ie national action panel or partnering with other organisations here such as ICTU on young workers rights gives me the necessary experience to bring a new perspective to the governance of the NYCI.

I have been a representative of young people for the last 5 years at a local, regional national and international level – with my particular focus on youth representing and how that can be best achieved – I hope you can put your confidence in me to work as a member of the NYCI board to deliver this for you and continue the outstanding work of the NYCI.

Niamh Quinn

Niamh Quinn is a Manager with Foróige. Niamh has extensive direct youth work and management experience within the youth work and non formal education sector. With Forόige since 2004, Niamh’s previous roles include Outreach Youth Officer working with young people aged 14 – 18 years most at risk; Senior Youth Officer and Acting Area Manager.

Niamh’s current role is supporting the development, roll out and delivery of CPD training and processes for the national School Completion Programme.

Niamh is the current Vice President of NYCI. Niamh is also the current Chair of the NYCI HR & Governance Sub Committee.

Niamh is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin.

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