CONNECT INSPIRE
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Annual Report 27th June 2024 Greater Shantallow Community Arts
24 YEARS OF COMMUNITY ARTS
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25
YEARS
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Greater Shantallow Community Arts 24th Annual Report
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CONTENTS
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OUR MISSION 5 CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
PROGRAMME REPORTS
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BRINGING THE ARTS TO THE HEART OF COMMUNITIES
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EARHART ART PRIZE
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OUR SPACE YOUR PLACE
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DRAMA AT STUDIO2
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DANCE AT STUDIO2
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YOUTH AND COMMUNITY ARTS
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16 TBUC CAMPS 26
17 SUMMER CAMPS 27
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18 HALLOWEEN
T’WAS THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS
ST PATRICKS DAY
SUMMER OF LOVE
THEATRE @ STUDIO2
NATIONAL GALLERY ART ROAD TRIP
CREATIVE AGING
CELEBRATING IRISH ARTS
FLEADH MOR DHOIRE
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Special Thanks To Our Funders
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THE ARTS IS FOR EVERYONE!
OUR MISSION
Greater Shantallow Community Arts (GSCA) is a community arts registered charity whose aim is to provide direct access to the arts within disadvantaged communities in the Greater Shantallow Area/Outer North region and right across Derry while also being a conduit in bringing communities from “edge to centre” and into strategic plans for the arts, both locally, regionally and nationally.
GSCA aims to promote artists, cultural activity, grow audiences, increase participation in the arts and provide opportunities for communities and individuals to develop skills and provide showcasing for talent using a wide range of art forms.
We also acknowledge the transformative powers of the arts in making strategic social interventions to alleviate complex problems such as social exclusion, isolation, lack of opportunity and poverty.
GSCA is committed to equality regardless of cultural background, age, disability, sexual orientation or economic status.
Our aim is to bring the joy and magic of the Arts into the lives of residents and enhance their health and wellbeing through engagement in the arts at every level
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CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
Welcome everyone, as Chairperson of Greater Shantallow Community Arts I am delighted to present for your kind consideration our 24th Annual Report.
As I reflect upon what has been another extremely busy and challenging year for GSCA I must say how proud I am of the extraordinary efforts made by all our team to rise to the challenges and to continue to work relentlessly towards delivering GSCA’s stated aims and objectives on behalf of the communities we serve.
In times of increased cuts to resources, of insufficient funding to deliver on the needs and the creative aspirations of our people, our GSCA team has stepped up with innovation, determination, and a resilience to deliver the Arts engagement that is so badly needed and longed for within our communities and across our city and region.
I want to personally thank our whole staff team, our amazing arts facilitators, our wonderful volunteers, of all ages, who give so generously of their time and energy and also my fellow Management Board members, it is with All your combined hard work, commitment and passion for the Arts and understanding of the value of Arts engagement to positively enhance the quality of life for all the peoples we serve, and your collective refusal to “Standstill” when more is needed that drives GSCA forward now and into the future. I thank each and everyone of you for all that you do, your work and efforts are so appreciated and respected.
Throughout 2023/24, we have delivered an innovative, comprehensive, and exciting programme of Community Arts activities, engaging participants of all ages and all interests in all forms of arts programming that were tailored to their needs, aspirations and individual creativity providing clear avenues for skills development and progression as well as opportunities for creative and cultural expression and showcasing of new talent. Our Annual Report will not only reflect in depth the sheer range of GSCAs Arts Engagement throughout the year and its direct contribution to our city’s cultural and creative calendar as well as GSCA’s contribution to delivering upon the strategic ambitions and key objectives of our statutory and creative partners within Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Derry City and Strabane District Council, The NI Executive Office, The Department of Communities and the Departments of Health, Education and Justice all of whom have supported our work throughout 2023/24. This alongside GSCAs contributions to our city’s Arts & Cultural Strategy Co-Delivery Group and locally the Ballyarnett DEA Growth Partnership and other city wide Arts Partnerships ensures that our communities creative ambitions are being reflected and are reflective of our societies collective ambitions for the Arts.
Importantly our ongoing work to develop the physical infrastructure to support and sustain the Arts and Creative Industries to grow and thrive in the ever expanding Outer North area of Derry has taken a significant step forward this year with DCSDC ratifying its support for the development of major new Arts Capital development in the council owned Ballyarnett Country Park which GSCA have been pushing forward with for many years. GSCA have long recognised that the long-term sustainability of Arts provision in the Outer North Region of Derry would require committed council support and we see this formal declaration by DCSDC as a hugely positive first step forward to achieve both GSCA’s and DCSDC’s ambitions for the future of the Arts in this region.
When I reflect upon our achievements, the term togetherness has never been so fitting, particularly in this a year filled with creativity, opportunity, fun and joy, a year in which we at GSCA have been delighted to have played our part in guaranteeing that our community here in the Outer North Area has remained submerged in the cultural and artistic life of our city and that our people’s creativity has continued to be unlocked, showcased and celebrated. With so many amazing highlight events such as, The Summer of Love Festival, Viral Project, Halloween Awakening the Walls, Hocus Pocus, St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival Celebrations, T’was the Week Before Christmas, our Creative Youth Drop in, ‘Spill the Tae‘ Podcast, Our Space Your Place Project Central Good Relations programme, Fleadh Dhoire Mhor 2024, Four Days in Derry theatre production and hosting the National Gallery’s Art Road Trip to name but a few, reflects an organisation that really does Create, Connects and truly Inspires and an organisation that we should all be genuinely proud to be have been part of building.
As chairperson of GSCA I direct my most genuine gratitude and admiration to everyone who has contributed and supported our efforts throughout this year and offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to all our funders and especially the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for its core support. Thank you all.
As I offer for your kind consideration GSCA’s 24th Annual Report I do so with hope and confidence that in the year ahead we will continue to build upon this great work and continue to grow and deliver upon our charities ambitions to make the Arts Accessible for All our peoples.
Mr Bobby Kelly Chairperson Greater Shantallow Community Arts
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BRINGING THE ARTS TO THE HEART OF COMMUNITIES
Arts Reaching Communities 2023/24
We created a comprehensive exciting programme of community arts activities, offering a blended menu of weekly classes attracting on average 2300 participants of various ages and of various experiences to engage in classes tailored to meet their needs, aspirations, and individual abilities in more than 94 weekly classes: including dance, music, drama, visual Arts and performance. Our weekly class schedule for 23/24 incorporated weekly classes in everything from Traditional Irish Dance, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap & Jazz Dance, Carnival Dance, Ceili Dance, and many more delivered at all levels for all ages. Our programmes of Music extended in range from Classical Singing and Show choirs to learning instruments in Guitar, Piano, Mandolin, Flute, Fiddle, Tin Whistle, Harp, Accordion, Squeeze Box, Bodhran, Drums right through to a range of innovate digital music and DJing programmes of music, development, editing and production. Our Youth Drama and Musical Theatre programming incorporated, My Frist Dance, My Frist Drama, Arts & Crafts, Derry Youth Theatre, Musical Theatre workshops offering a comprehensive and exciting programme of community arts activities that appealed to our whole community.
April saw the continuation of our spring/summer classes leading to our much anticipated ever popular end of years summer showcases in June, including our dance showcase with over 200 dancers from our World fusion, contemporary and hip-hop classes. September saw the highly successful commencement of our Autumn Timetable of our Arts Reaching Communities Programme which included classes in Young Crafters Academy, Little Stars Drama, Shooting Stars Drama and Shining Stars Drama, My First Dance, Street Beats, Mini Beats Dance, Young Crafters, Discocise, Speech and Drama, World Fusion Dance, Baby Ballet, Contemporary
Dance, Acting Out Youth Drama, Creative Youth Drop In, Traditional Irish Arts including, Traditional Irish Music lessons in Mixed Strings, Tin Whistle, Fiddle, Conversational Irish, Irish Dancing.
October saw our hugely successful participation in DCSDCs Halloween festivities, and our Awakening the Walls showcase Hocus Pocus was the highlight of the whole festival and through the delivery of our various classes with participants from, dance drama, arts and crafts all leading to taking part in DCSDCs city centre parade. October also saw ‘I Didn’t See That Coming’ a play written and directed by Rosalind Patton. An additional 2 plays then followed in the early stages of 2023 plus her New play The Christian Support Group “How Not to Catch the Gay” which also toured to the Dublin International Drama Festival. March saw our participation in DCSDCs St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival Celebrations and NWCIs wonderful Carnival Parade .
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AMELIA EARHART
The Earhart Art Prize for Female Painters in Ireland
The prestigious Earhart Art Prize, presented by Greater Shantallow Community Arts in collaboration with City of Derry Airport and The National Gallery Art Road Trip, embarked on a journey of creativity. This event commemorated the 92nd anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s historic solo transatlantic flight and invited female painters from across Ireland to participate in the inspiring competition.
Participants set their sights on the grand prize of £1,932, symbolizing Earhart’s groundbreaking achievement. Additionally, ten honorable mentions earned the opportunity to exhibit their work alongside the winner, gaining exposure and recognition.
Artists let their imagination take flight as they explored themes of female achievement, aspiration, courage, aviation, and flight, inspired by Earhart’s pioneering spirit.
The event experienced the intersection of art, history, and innovation, honoring Amelia Earhart’s legacy and empowering female painters to reach new heights. City of Derry Airport, The National Gallery Art Road Trip, and Greater Shantallow Community Arts joined in this exhilarating celebration of creativity. Participants unleashed their artistic potential and let their spirits soar with the Earhart Art Prize.
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THE NORTHERN IRELAND EXECUTIVE OFFICE CENTRAL GOOD RELATIONS FUND: OUR SHARED COMMUNITY
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Gareth McAlinden
Good Relations Project Coordinator
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Our Space Your Place
Our Space Your Place is our innovative Good Relations project that utilises the active Engagement in Community Arts as a vehicle for building strong community relations introducing marginalised isolated people from all backgrounds, to a new and welcoming Shared Space bringing our communities together to enjoy the magic and creative experience that the arts can uniquely offer. 144 Participants were introduced to an inspiring programme of weekly arts workshops developing new skills and interests, building new Friendships Resilience. The project involved 12 groups who took part in weekly good relations workshops in oil painting, arts and crafts, singing, dancing, drama, Relax Kids music and movement, musical theatre, and creative writing.
Our Space Your Place ‘Our Shared Community, Increased the use of a new Shared Space’ at Studio2 in the Ballyarnett DEA /Skeoge area. The area has a major deficit of perceived Shared spaces in which residents, visitors or members of other communities can feel comfortable sharing their religious background or cultural traditions.
The Our Space Your Place initiative has not only met but surpassed its participation targets, engaging 158 participants from April 2023 to April 2024, exceeding the initial goal of 144. The project’s success is underscored by its commitment to maintaining a balanced representation across various community backgrounds: 63 participants from Protestant Unionist Loyalist (PUL) backgrounds, 63 from Catholic Nationalist Republican (CNR) backgrounds, and 27 from other backgrounds, including 20 from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Covering 100% of the citywide area, spanning post code areas BT48 and BT47 in Derry and Strabane, signifies the project’s extensive reach and accessibility. The initiative has catered to a diverse range of age groups, from 2 to 90 years old, ensuring inclusivity across generations. Moreover, the inclusion of individuals, community groups, and schools in activities such as Art, Arts and Crafts, Dance, World Fusion Dance, Singing, Drama, Creative Writing, and Oil Painting has provided a multifaceted approach to engagement and skill development. The involvement of six schools, including Lisnagelvin Primary, St Pauls Primary School, Oakgrove Integrated PS, Holy Child Primary School, St Brigid’s College, and Ardnashee College, strategically selected from areas with high levels of
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OUR SPACE YOUR PLACE
deprivation and sectarian tension, demonstrates the project’s targeted efforts to foster inclusivity and bridge divides within communities.
By utilizing strategic online marketing techniques, printed flyers and posters and BBC Radio Interviews the initiative has effectively attracted individuals interested in the arts and Good Relations programs, thereby broadening its audience and enhancing community engagement. Overall, the Our Space Your Place project has successfully created a shared space for socialization, skill-building, and community cohesion, contributing positively to the overall fabric of society.
“Our Space Your Place” serves as a beacon of hope and unity in the Outer North area, embodying the transformative potential of community arts to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity. Since its inception in 2023, the project has exceeded expectations, engaging 158 participants in a series of immersive workshops designed to explore themes of peace, trust, and creative community building.
Spanning over 14 weeks, each project provided a diverse array of artistic expressions, including arts and crafts, oil painting, singing, dance, drama, and creative writing. Through these activities, individuals from various backgrounds had the opportunity to not only refine their artistic skills but also forge meaningful connections with one another, transcending cultural boundaries and fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
Central to the project’s success is its ability to provide a shared space where residents, visitors, and individuals from diverse communities can come together in a welcoming and inclusive environment. By addressing the perceived lack of shared space in the area, “Our Space Your Place” has become a vital hub for dialogue, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding, bridging divides and fostering a sense of community cohesion. Moreover, the impact of “Our Space Your Place” extends far beyond skill acquisition; it has nurtured a sense of empowerment and confidence among participants, instilling in them a deeper appreciation for the value of diversity and inclusivity. Through collaborative efforts and shared experiences, lasting friendships have been forged, enriching the fabric of the community, and leaving a lasting legacy of unity and friendship.
The invaluable contributions of participating groups, including Hand Made Crafts, St Brigid’s College, Ardnashee College, Relax Kids, Holy Child Primary School, Oakgrove Integrated Primary School, St. Paul’s Primary School, Lisnagelvin Primary School, Tommy’s Oil Painting Group, and Pat McArts Creative Writing group, have been instrumental in making “Our Space Your Place” a resounding success. Their dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm have truly made a difference, enriching the lives of all involved and leaving an indelible mark on the community. As we look to the future, “Our Space Your Place” stands as a shining example of the transformative power of community arts in building a more inclusive and cohesive society.
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DRAMA @ STUDIO 2
Children’s Drama @ Studio 2
This year, our drama department has continued to be a success with children of all ages attending our regular drama classes here at Studio 2. Each class is carefully crafted and structured to offer quality content which is beneficial to the children to develop social skills, creativity, confidence building and team building skills while having fun along the way.
Our “Little Stars” drama classes, aimed at children aged 3-5, offer young children an introduction to drama and are ideal for getting them started on their drama journey by encouraging them to make friends, use their imagination and express their creativity in a fun and safe environment. These classes use a good combination of drama and game play which is crucial to early years development as through our strategy we encourage social skills, expression of the self, exploration of emotions and characters and increasing confidence in young children. This year our little stars got to take part in two showcases; “The Little Mermaid” and “The Twits.” These showcases delighted and entertained audiences of 100+ guests of family and friends who came to see these little stars in their first ever performances which were a great success.
The next stage in our junior drama programme is our “Shooting Stars” drama classes which are aimed at children aged 5-7. These classes aim to uplevel some of the skills developed in the younger classes and to expand these skills further. Kids attending these classes are given the tools to start becoming more comfortable and confident young performers by developing their skills in focusing, reading, music and movement and exploring characters through their acting. Our shooting stars were also successfully involved in two end of year showcases, acting alongside our little stars in “The Little Mermaid” and in their showcase of “Matilda” in a theatre space with 100+ guests.
The oldest of our primary school aged drama groups is our “Shining Stars” drama classes. These classes are for children aged 8-11 where we encourage our drama students to achieve their best by getting them to start thinking about common theatre practices and technique. In these classes we promote confidence and creativity by encouraging the children to come up with ideas and contribute their own creative input into their work to give them their own sense of ownership and responsibility over their projects and performances. Our shining stars are fantastic role models for our younger groups as they’ve acted alongside them in the end of year showcase of “The Little Mermaid” and in their production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and they used these showcases to their full advantage to use their skills effectively to express themselves and wow the audiences! They also got to take part in their first ever parade on St. Patricks day and they really enjoyed their experience.
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Youth Drama @ Studio 2
For our seniors we have our “Acting Out Youth Theatre” drama classes which offers our young people aged 11-18 great opportunities to become actively engaged in a number of different projects within the community using their drama and performance skills. Our youth drama group has grown significantly in the past year and we now have 25 members who regularly attend. Through our regular sessions this group has explored skills in improvisation, creating characters, storytelling, stand up comedy, devised theatre, music and movement, mime, acting for screen and acting for stage. Learning these skills has served this group well as they have a well-rounded view of what it takes to be a part of the performing arts industry. Through working on different projects, they’ve gained more insight and understanding of how things work within the industry providing them with the knowledge and experience they need if they want to take these skills into future careers.
During the summer, we had our “Summer of Love” festival which this group got to be a part of with their theatre showcase of “Mamma Mia.” The young people really brought the play to life and delighted audiences with their, acting, singing, dancing and musical theatre abilities bringing a sense of energy and fun to the festival. The show was seen by 100+ audience members which did not phase our young people one bit as they handled it all like true professionals and they enjoyed performing in the production as much as the audience enjoyed seeing it.
Our young people from Acting Out were a vital part of our Christmas event “Twas the Week Before Christmas.” An increase in members joining the group meant that we were able to have two separate performances happening at the event. Half of the members took part in our production of “The Grinch” where our young people got to perform live on stage in this fun filled family friendly show using their acting skills. The other half of our members got to perform in “Santa’s Workshop” where they showcased their musical theatre skills to get audiences into the Christmas spirit. Both these performances ran for a total of 4 nights with 16 shows each being viewed by the public. Our very dedicated cast really committed to their roles showing their time and commitment to their craft which made it a huge success and was an enjoyable experience for all involved.
As well as acting for stage our youth drama group were also involved in the St. Patricks Day Parade this year with the North West Carnival Initiative. The theme of the parade was “darkness and light” and our young people had the challenge of creating characters centred around “moon people.” They did a lovely routine about the moon controlling the tides with some nice blue ribbons using music and movement in the routine to entertain the audiences which lined the streets of Derry.
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DANCE @ STUDIO 2
Our dance department at Studio2 has, once again, remained successful, and attracted children of various ages to our regular dance classes. Every class is tailormade to provide valuable content that helps children enhance their dancing, social abilities, confidence, and creativity, and develop team-building skills... while having fun! While exploring different dance techniques, from jazz to street dance, ballet, and hip-hop, each child fosters a new panel of expertise, that they will improve throughout time.
The first stage in our junior dance programme is our “My First Dance” dance classes, which are aimed at children aged 3-5. Ideal for a dance introduction and to start their dancing journey, the classes are conducive to making friends, happiness, and an environment where each can grow as an artist. These classes combine dance and gameplay, which has a decisive role in the early years of development. From social skills to self-expression, and confidence building, musical games also allow them to develop a keen sense of hearing and musicality, vital for little dancers.
This year, our little dancers are preparing for a “Willy Wonka” showcase, that will entertain guests of family and friends, who came to see them in their first performance ever.
Our “Mini Beats Dance” dance classes, aimed at ages 5-7, offer young children an uplevel of the skills learned the previous years, build their confidence, and expand their abilities. The young dancers attending these classes are given the tools to start being more comfortable and confident in class, and also when performing. Every class, they are put into small groups of two or three and are given the task to create a small dance of 30 seconds, before presenting it to the class. This team-building exercise is ideal for communication and making friends, learning from each other while having fun, and overcoming stage fright when dancing in front of the rest of the class.
They are also learning some more advanced skills and all the dance positions that are the basics of every dance move and style. Our “Mini Beats Dance” is preparing for a “Willy Wonka” showcase, in a theatre space with 100+ guests. The oldest of our dance groups is our “Street Stars Dance+” dance classes. These classes are for children ages 7-11. These children are the most advanced in dancing, and are encouraged to achieve their best in class, and during their performances. They are learning and mastering skills, that will be beneficial to their dancing and will help them improve even more. It goes without saying that the dance classes are safe
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spaces where every child can express themselves with gestures and movements, but also encourage each other.
In these classes, we promote confidence and creativity and give them responsibilities over projects and performances. In just a few weeks, some of them came of out their shell and were able to express their emotions and feelings through dance. Our street stars shined during the Saint Patrick’s parade, which was for some of them their first parade and public performance. They overcame shyness and let the music take over while having a great time. Dressed as bunny rabbits for this year’s theme ‘Out of the Darkness Into the Light’, they made the crowd hopping with joy and excitement. Our street stars are also preparing for the “Willy Wonka” showcase, where the dancers will be able to show all their new abilities to their friends and family.
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YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PLUS
Supported by EA Youth Service & Department of Communities Engaging many 100s of young people in the Ballyarnett DEA
Creative Youth Drop In
Our creative youth drop in is held here in Studio 2 every Friday night and is aimed at young people aged 11-17. We offer a range of activities at the drop in with a huge focus on the arts. Every week we open our doors inviting young people in to use our space to engage with activities like singing, arts and crafts, gaming, team building, music and film. Our arts centric approach allows young people the opportunity to express themselves in a creative environment, to share ideas and to nurture and discover their talents. Having drop in with a creative flair offers an enriching environment where our young people thrive in as it fosters personal growth, builds confidence and cultivates a sense of community among these young artists. We even run special events every so often at drop in such as the Halloween youth disco, and also we ran an event for culture night where young people attended a gig here in Studio 2 where they watched other young people perform and came together to support each other and celebrate their peers talents.
Volunteering
We are very lucky here at Studio 2 that we have such a dedicated team of young volunteers who give up their free time to help out in any way they can in our art, drama and dance classes. These young people always come in with a sense of enthusiasm, passion and tenacity acting as positive role models for the younger children in these classes and contribute to our sense of community we have built here. These opportunities in volunteering are essential for our young people to develop skills which will prepare them for the wider working world when they leave school and we are proud that we can provide a base for them to develop these skills for future career opportunities. The hard work of these young people doesn’t go unnoticed and we were delighted to be invited to the EA Youth Engagement Plus Awards this year where seven of our young volunteers were proudly nominated for awards for their contribution to volunteering and youth work here in Studio 2. One of our young people, Brandon, was selected to receive the award for “Unsung Hero” for his contribution to volunteering and we were very proud to support him and all our young volunteers at the event to celebrate and recognise their hard work.
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YOUTH ARTS, REAL YOUTH WORK
Viral Project
We worked on a project called “The Viral Project” in association with The Department of Justice, to create a short film aimed at young people which addresses the sensitive topic of sending indecent images underaged. The aim of the project was to prevent crimes amongst young people so we used this short film as an educational tool to inform them of the potential consequences and risks associated with sharing such content on both a personal level and with the law. Through careful storytelling the film highlights the importance of consent, privacy, and responsible digital behaviour. We premiered the Viral Project film in Brunswick Movie Bowl in June where schools and teachers were among our guests and took part in our Q&A after the film was shown. The Q&A raised some really important topics for discussion where issues could be discussed in the open in a controlled and safe environment to raise awareness and to get young people to think more about these issues that arise with online safety and digital wellbeing. We hope that the Viral Project will continue to open up conversations around this important topic in more schools, community centres and youth clubs as more people will view it.
Spill the Tae Have Your Say
The success of our “Spill The Tae” youth led podcast from last year developed further into a video podcast “Spill The Tae have Your Say,” where young people used this as a platform to discuss issues that are important to them such as mental health, addiction and acceptance and pride in the LQBTQIA+ community. This project gave our young people a chance to explore these issues while also learning about the exciting world of television production through presenting skills, set design, lighting, sound, editing and filming techniques. The young people used these skills to interview guests on their show and put together 4 short episodes as a means of creating an educational and informative show by young people for young people. The young people involved in the project proudly premiered their episodes in November here in Studio 2 and had a live Q&A with guests who attended the event where the young people could speak for themselves on their experience with this project and give an insight into what they’ve learnt and they hosted the Q&A like true professionals! They also took part in a Halloween special episode of the podcast “Spill The Blood” where they got to show off their creative side and use their talents to create a short spooky horror story to get into the Halloween spirit and had a lot of fun exploring their creativity.
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TBUC/EA YOUTH CAMPS 2023-24
TBUC/EA Youth Camps 2023-24
Together Building United Communities for all our Young People
During 2023/24 Greater Shantallow Community Arts were delighted to have been supported by the NI Executive Offices TBUC Good Relations programme in partnership with the EA Youth Services to be given the opportunity to provide three different and unique innovative TBUC Youth Camps that engaged over 120 young people from all different communities and backgrounds from across our city throughout the year in targeted programmes of intensive good relation, peacebuilding and creative learning and volunteering initiatives that supported their person learning and social development whilst allowing them specific opportunities to engage in Social Action initiatives that provided our communities with an insight into the positive contribution that our young people bring to our communities. GSCA, TBUC Beyond Limits, Youth Leadership Camp, Summer Creative Volunteers Camp our hugely successful Creative Christmas Youth Volunteers Camp allowed our young people to positively shine brightly in the glow of their amazing achievements and commitment to supporting each other and their communities throughout the year.
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SUMMER CAMPS
Summer Camp
July saw the commencement of our 2 week summer camps:
1. Under the Sea 2. Schools Out for Summer
Both summer schemes had 100 participants each week. The summer camps were aimed at children aged 4-11 where they took part in a range of activities such as dance, drama, arts and crafts, singing and musical theatre. The children taking part in the summer scheme had such a great opportunity to showcase their skills, make new friends and had lots of fun along the way.
We also ran an extra week of Summer Camps with Margaret Keys in August “Centre Stage Summer Camp.” This camp specialised in musical theatre and performance where the children were encouraged to take their skills to the next level through a carefully structured programme where they delighted audience members of family and friends with their drama, singing and musical theatre skills.
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HALLOWEEN 2024
Hocus Pocus in the City of Bones
At Halloween we were once again delighted to be working in partnership with DCSDC to bring our show “A Bunch Of Hocus Pocus In The City Of Bones” to the heart of the Derry Halloween festivities in the Craft Village. This piece followed the story of the Sanderson Sisters who had returned to Derry to try and curse the town on Halloween night but their plan backfires, much to the delight of the children in audiences who watched. We teamed up with Rainbow School of Dance who brought their creative input of dancing zombies into the performance which worked splendidly alongside the Sanderson Sisters to create an energetic, spooky and lively atmosphere. Our whole team of artists, actors and crew all came together to put on a blinder of a show which ran repeatedly for 3 nights and entertained the masses as thousands of people gathered to witness and enjoy this spectacular show.
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TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Festive Fun
Greater Shantallow Community Arts were very pleased to once again bring the festive Christmas season to Studio 2 at our event “Twas the Week Before Christmas.” This event took place over 4 days and included lots of activities and showcases which hundreds of families came to watch, take part in and enjoy. Our entire building was transformed into a magical winter wonderland which included Mrs. Claus story telling, posting letters in Santa’s workshop, The elves and elf village in a festive musical theatre performance ‘Santa’s Workshop,’ face painting, arts and crafts, hot chocolate and cookies, singing with the Christmas Fairy and our showcase of ‘The Grinch.’ This family friendly event was the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit and sharing our space with the public was a joy for us to create and share the magic with children and their families.
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ST PATRICK’S DAY
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2024
We were thrilled to collaborate with the Northwest Carnival Initiative and Derry City and Strabane District Council for the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Our participation featured forty talented individuals from Studio 2’s dance and drama groups.
A Festive Atmosphere
Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Derry, creating an electric atmosphere. Our dancers and actors showcased their skills, delighting the crowd with their performances.
Memorable Experiences
The parade offered our participants an enriching experience, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community connection. They enjoyed sharing their talents and celebrating their heritage with such a supportive audience. We extend our thanks to the Northwest Carnival Initiative, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and the enthusiastic spectators. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2024 was a wonderful celebration of art and community spirit, and we are proud to have been a part of it.
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FESTIVAL FUN
Summer of Love Festival
Greater Shantallow Community arts, in partnership with the DCSDC, were delighted to bring the “Summer of Love Festival” to Studio 2 in August. We had a full programme of events, opened to the public, which included a kids disco, adults 60/70s themed supper dance, craft fair, Mamma Mia showcase and family fun days with magic performances from Parky as well as workshops in dance, art and music. These events were a great success with many families from the community being brought together to enjoy the festivities and to see what community arts is all about. We really enjoyed opening our doors to the public and creating a fun and warm atmosphere where people of all ages could come to enjoy all the fun activities we had on offer.
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COMMUNITY THEATRE AT ITS BEST
Greater Shantallow Community Arts have been delighted to work in creative partnership with so many outstanding local playwrights, directors and actors through this past year producing and bringing to stage so many theatrical productions of outstanding quality across a widely diverse themes including comedy, drama and issue-based theatre. Autum saw local acting legends James Lecky and Paul O Doherty coming together to perform the staged a production of “The Best Pints” by Derry playwright Jack Gallagher. This story centred around three characters, friends, in a pub telling each other stories of parenthood, love, loss and addiction. It was a funny but also a touching play and the audience enjoyed the chemistry between the cast members who put on a great show. In January Greater Shantallow Community Arts were delighted to produce and stage the World Premiere of Bernadette Mac
Farland’s epic play “4 Days in Derry” which told for the first time the women’s story of Bloody Sunday. Playing to full houses during its five-day run at Studio2 in Derry and the Alley Theatre Strabane this play offered a very poignant, raw and insightful glimpse into the real-life tragedies of the “silent women’s” experiences as the forgotten victims of Bloody Sunday as told through the harrowing stories of the mothers, sisters, wives and sweethearts lived experience during those unforgettable 4 Days in Derry.
We were also delighted to produce and host Rosie Patton’s second play “The Christian Support Group, How Not to Catch the Gay” directed by Brian Hasson an insightful comedy that addressed the struggle of the LGBTQIA+ community with some Christian religious groups. Following the plays successful debut in Studio 2 it went forward for a five-day run and received great applause at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in May of this year. Another highlight was GSCA’s production of local author and playwright Vin McCullagh’s seminal monologue on the human condition, ‘Why Am I?’ a critically and popularly acclaimed staged to mark World Mental Health Week comprised excerpts from this emotionally lyrical
monologue, performed by the author, and supported by acting great Felicity McCaul and international renowned singer song writer Caolan Mc Laughlin linked by a narrator to set them in context ‘Why Am I?’ was a masterful and compassionate work inspired by the writer’s own mental health journey, from boyhood in Tyrone, to the building sites of London, through a life- changing accident, and the world of psychiatric hospital viewed from his treatment as a patient and also from his subsequent career there as a nurse. Always challenging, insightful, and compassionate it is rich in the hearth language of his beloved Tyrone and in self-deprecating and occasionally dark humour.
Headed by our amazing Head of Community Theatre & Drama, Roma Havery GSCAs Community Theatre Programme looks set to go from strength to strength in the year ahead.
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FROM EDGE TO CENTRE WITH ARTS AT THE HEART
GSCA welcomed The National Gallery’s Arts Road Trip to the Northwest of Ireland
GSCA welcomed The National Gallery’s Arts Road Trip to the Northwest of Ireland At the start of the National Gallery’s Bicentenary year of celebration the National Gallery in partnership with Greater Shantallow Community Arts, Derry were delighted to host a two week celebration of the Arts as the NGs first ever Arts Road Trip brought a dynamic programme of Arts Engagement that included New Work Exhibitions, featuring Regional Artists Showcase events and The 2024 International Earhart Arts Prize for Female Artists plus the National Gallery’s Travelling Art Studio which visited 10 key locations and venues across the Derry and the Northwest staging a series of creative public art workshops, events and masterclasses across the city and region which engaged many hundreds of residents, local arts centres, schools and galleries, and local communities from across the region. In this the first of 18 visits to different cities across the UK the Art Road Trip offered an inspiring and inventive art studio on wheels, full of high-quality art materials, ideas, and creativity. From May 2024 to May 2025, the National Gallery’s travelling art studio will host 200 creative public engagements and work with 40,000 people to bring art and ideas inspired by the National Gallery’s collection to the heart of their communities.
Oliver Green Artistic Director of Greater Shantallow Community Arts and Studio2 Derry reflected that GSCA have been delighted to have been working in partnership with Anna and George and all the team from the National Gallery over this past year or more to bring what has been an amazing two weeks of Arts engagement at the highest levels to our city and region. The Art Road Trip team of outstanding artists have brought their inspiring message of the Arts being for everyone into the heart of our local communities here in Derry and have embraced and showcase not only the National Gallery’s extensive Art Treasures but brought a clear focus and shown new light on the amazing talent and creativity of our indigenous local artists across the generations.
Mr Green said, we are so proud of all the outstanding artists of all levels who have engaged with the Arts Road Trip, Jenny and Chloe from the NG were amazing and inspiring to the hundreds of children who listened to their stories of how the magic of the arts can unlock the imagination and inspire greatness, as we reflected on our location at the very edge of the UK probably the furthest from the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square yet close to the new world of the Americas and to the European Union, our experience reflects the globalization and realisation that the Arts connects us all and transcends oceans and seas to bring beauty and inspiration to the darkest corners and shines the light of creativity that inspires offering new worlds of imagination and hope. Greater Shantallow Community Arts are so grateful to all our community partners, schools and arts venues who have engaged with the National Gallery’s Arts Road Trip over the two weeks in Derry and who have made this such a wonderful experience for all involved and we look forward to continuing that lovely partnership in the time ahead.
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CREATIVE AGEING
The Art Of Wellbeing
Building on the success of a number of key pilot programmes GSCA delivered upon the objectives of our Recovery to Discovery Social Prescribing Through the Arts programme by working with a wide range of community and statutory partners to deliver life changing Arts engagement opportunities that specifically address the health, well-being and mindfulness of our participants, offering innovative programming that engaged and reduced barriers to participation in the arts whilst allowing participants to explore their creative potential and feel the benefits of the arts impacting on the lives through not only the social engagement but through the creative expression and confidence building that our programme offered to each of our participants.
Eddie Kerr An Appreciation
It is with truly great sadness that we reflect on the tragic passing of our wonderful, friend and mentor, our teacher and director, the kind and compassionate and truly inspirational Eddie Kerr. On behalf of the whole Arts Sector from across Derry and the Northwest, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Eddies wife Annette and his children Tara, Shane, and Kevin and to all of Eddies extended family and many friends.
No words can convey, the loss so many people will feel at Eddies parting, his was a life well lived, he brought a creativity and imagination to all that he did, alongside his core belief in equality of opportunity and justice for all peoples regardless of race, colour, creed, or social standing. Eddie was an inspiring friend and trusted companion and comrade to so many. His heart was filled with kindness, compassion, and empathy which he shared freely and without gain. His wisdom and understanding and ability to bring joy at the hardest of times to those who needed a hug was renowned.
He is sadly missed by the whole Studio2 family.
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CELEBRATING IRISH ARTS
Well it’s hard to believe it’s that time of the year again as we reflect on another amazing year of enjoying and providing Irish Traditional Arts to our city and region in creative partnership with Greater Shantallow Community Arts at Studio 2. Which means we at C.C.E. Baile na gCailleach take a look over the some of the highlights of the Branch over the past year. In Comhaltas we see ourselves as the custodians of our Traditional Irish music, song, dance, and language and through our Board who oversee the Co-ordination of branch events and governance it enables us through our tutors’ volunteers to hold weekly classes in all of the pre mentioned art forms.
It goes without saying none of this would be able to happen were it not for the ongoing support of Greater Shantallow Community Arts board and staff on all levels who assist and support us in too many ways to mention, and always with a smile and good heart thank you to all the Studio2 team it is very much appreciated.
For anyone who doesn’t know we teach music in Fiddle, Banjo, Mandolin Guitar, Whistle, Flute Box Concertina with some Ceili Dance and Irish Language classes thrown in for good measure because we can. Classes are for all abilities, so we have participants ranging in age from 6yr to 70yrs and a few slightly older. We find people come along for many reasons, some for company and some for the fun or because they always wanted to play but never had the time for whatever reason. People who learn to play often compete in Feis or Fleadhs others just play for their own enjoyment and sense of accomplishment so I’m sure you can see from this we are an eclectic bunch.
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FLEADH MHÓR DHOIRE
Of course, it can’t all be class class class, and we are always invited to play at different public events ranging from when Government Ministers visiting Studio 2 or when we host and enjoy our highly popular Irish Traditional Christmas Session, city wide St Patrick Day Celebrations or festivals feis or fleadh to name but a few, we are so proud of all our branch members and many of our members have been highly successful in fiesanna and County Provincial and All Ireland Fleadhs bringing the magic of Irish traditional Arts to the world which goes to show what practice can do. Off course the highlight of our year was hosting An Fleadh Dhoire Mhore and County Derry Fleadh 2024 which was a massive success and brought our city to life with the sounds of Traditional Irish music filling the Derry Air. We had such a wonderful time and I would like to wish the Derry County Fleadh winners all the very best as they travel forward to compete at the Ulster and All Ireland Fleadh’s in the time ahead.
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BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE - SHARING A VISION
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Greater Shantallow Community Arts (GSCA) was supported by the Dormant Accounts Fund NI delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund to work to address the long-term sustainability of GSCA and through us the delivery of high-quality arts and cultural engagement and provision in the Ballyarnett DEA in the Outer North area of Derry. GSCA in partnership with our city’s arts sector has for some time sought to address the deficit of high-quality performance space for artists and audiences in Derry and the Northwest which is integral to the programme delivery and a limiting factor to being able to expand GSCA’s and Derry/Northwest’s Arts Sector’s ambitions for the arts locally and regionally and nationally. On behalf of the communities we serve, GSCA have identified the need for the development of a major Regional Arts Centre to meet the needs of its existing and future cultural offering and ambitions for the growth of the Creative Industries in the Northwest Region. This need is supported by the demand on GSCA’s current facilitates at Studio 2 Youth & Community Arts Centre (120,000 plus annual users) for creative spaces, usage of external venues for larger events and initial consultations with key stakeholders and the community.
In 2015, DCSDC & the Outer North Neighbourhood Partnership commissioned a strategic masterplan for Ballyarnett Country Park as a strategic framework for the development/regeneration of the Country Park over the next 10 years. The proposal at the time focused on a mixed-use site with sport, leisure, environment and arts and culture all playing a key role in its development/regeneration.
GSCA has now advanced a new vision to deliver upon this Masterplan and has drafted concept design/plans. The concept designs for the Ballyarnett Regional Art Centre includes performance/education/event/studio/teaching/ learning spaces and administrative spaces for GSCA, DCSDC, artists, organisations, and tenants.
Following many years of lobbying and GSCAs presentations to DCSDC on December 2023 Derry City and Strabane District Council formally committed to supporting the development of new arts facilities within Ballyarnett Country Park.
GSCAs proposed Ballyarnett Regional Arts Centre will act as a significant asset for not only the GSCA & DCSDC but the Northwest Derry/Donegal Arts Sector and should be seen as a significant arts & cultural asset in terms
of cultural tourism for the City and Region. It will also play an important part in the DCSDC & Outer North NRA Arts and Culture, Regeneration and Tourism Strategy’s as it will bring new services and facilities to the region whilst contributing to the visions and concepts of Creative Ireland’s Shared Island aspirations and the regional Creative Industries growing aspirations for Virtual, Digital Film and Television Studio Development in the Northwest region acting as a catalyst for the growth of a decentralised creative industries on the Island of Ireland.
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THANKS & APPRECIATION
We offer our sincere thanks to...
In concluding our 24th Annual Report, our most sincere heartfelt thanks and appreciation must be given to all those who supported us throughout this challenging year.
Department of Justice CINE Dormant Accounts City of Derry Airport Department of Justice CINE Screen NI Future Screens Art Work Dormant Accounts National Lottery City of Derry Airport The National Gallery The Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland
A year of constant trials made successful, only by the 100% dedication of the countless individuals prepared to contribute and commit their valuable time and efforts to supporting access to the arts for everyone in our community, in particular,
Our Funders
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Whom has invested not only their monies, but their time, wisdom and support in Greater Shantallow Community Arts over the years as an organisation we aim to make them proud of their investment. The Arts Council AFP funding is our organisations key core support
Our Partners Appreciated
GSCA wish to thank all the partner organisations we have worked with throughout 2023 and into 2024, GSCA have been privileged to have had the opportunity to work with so many different arts organisations, schools, community groups and businesses.
Derry City and Strabane District Council
Have been vital supporters over the years and we look forward to that continuing in the years ahead as we service the needs of our citizens and build upon our ambitions to create a new regional Community Arts centre in Ballyarnett Country Park in partnership with DCSDC.
Our Board Members, Our Staff & Volunteers
Without your dedication to the work of Greater Shantallow Community Arts, all we stand for and hope to achieve on behalf of the community we serve I say my most heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
The Department of Communities & Education Authority Youth Services
Have recognised the value of having community arts partners in delivering key youth interventions for our young people our Youth Engagement Plus programme support provides us with a key youth worker to engage our young people in all the benefits that the arts can bring to their lives.
2024 like most years presented some extremely stressful and unpredictable times, to see the sheer dedication and kindness of so many selfless individuals who care passionately about the arts and about the communities we serve you cannot fail to be inspired.
The NI Executive Office
To our board members and volunteers without who’s support we would not thrive and our wonderful team at Greater Shantallow Community Arts who bring their skills, creativity and enthusiasm to each day I offer my deepest thanks and appreciation.
Through their support, The NI Executive Office under its Central Good Relations &TBUC Good Relations fund has continued to play a vital role in supporting our organisations aspiration of using the Arts in all its forms to celebrate diversity and to bring people from every section of our community together unlocking the creative potential and confidence of all our citizens and building a real peace through respect for difference something that the arts can do very well.
‘In all that we encounter in 2025 your constant encouragement will ensure that GSCA will go from strength to strength in the time ahead and that our ambition to continue to really CREATE, CONNECT and INSPIRE will be achieved during 2024/25.’
Thank You all Oliver Green, Artistic Director Greater Shantallow Community Arts
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CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF BRINGING ARTS TO THE HEART OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
STUDIO 2 Youth and Community Arts Centre Units 1-3 Foyle Business Park, 4 Beraghmore Road, Skeoge Industrial Estate, Derry, BT48 8SE Tel: 028 71 358750 Email: info@gscaderry.com
Kindly Supported By