This project, 'Creatively Caring for our Community', is centred on Traveller children/ young people and families who live on Spring Lane in Cork City, and the concept of equal access to, participation in, and a sense of belonging within public spaces. The walkway on Spring Lane services the route all children (both primary and secondary) take to school in a number of schools in the area. The Living Commons arts organisation will collaborate with the STAR (Supporting Traveller and Roma) project and youth workers to engage young Traveller residents of Spring Lane within a creative exploration of how their new school walkway space might become more child-friendly and inviting for those using it daily. 

A series of creative arts-based brainstorming workshops will explore how the space might feel safer, friendlier and reflective of the children’s own sense of cultural identity – according to their own ideas. The workshops will explore themes like community, self and collective care, immediate needs, safe space, and sense of belonging in the most general sense in order to gently direct the creative output of those who participate.

A positive cultural identity can give an individual a sense of belonging, purpose, social support and self-worth, positively impacting on mental health and well-being. Seeing their ideas/work on the walls of the walkway will evoke a positive sense of identity and culture amongst the young Travellers who participate in this project.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.