The Cruinniú na nÓg artist residency in Baltinglass was an exciting collaborative project led by musician and creative producer Andy Spearpoint. Partnering with local artists across music, movement, craft, and visual arts, the residency gave children a unique opportunity to take part in composing, rehearsing, and performing music while also creating costumes and artworks. The focus was on empowering young people as active collaborators in every stage of the process.
At the heart of the project was the theme of “waking something up” in Baltinglass. Drawing inspiration from the town’s history, myths, and ancient artefacts, the final performance, Giant Dreams, blended folklore with contemporary artistic expression. Visual artist Bridget Ní Dhuinn, renowned for her puppet-making, worked with children from the community of Baltinglass to create two giant puppets for the showcase, which took place at the Tearmann Community Gardens on 7th June 2025.
The children who participated in the programme were from Scoil Naomh Iósaf, Scoil Chonghlais, IPAS centres Slaney Court and Kippure Lodge, as well as a group of children from Rathcoran Estate.
This community-driven residency brought together local artists and craftspeople, such as Karen Allison, Siobhán Madden and Olha Dekhtiarchuk, supported by the expertise of archaeologist and folklore specialist Mairéad Kelly. Children played central roles as heroes and anti-heroes, ‘waking up’ the spirit of Dagda and bringing Baltinglass’s ancient stories to life. The residency gave over 120 young people the chance to drum, sing, and perform on stage, many for the first time.
With its focus on social engagement and child-centred creativity, the Whole Town Project stood as a powerful example of how art can connect people, place, and history in new and imaginative ways.
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