Arts & Disability Ireland are presenting two related activities, readings and a film, in Temple Bar as part of Dublin’s Culture Night on 21st September.
From 5.30pm there will be readings from ‘Jessica Casey and Other Works’, a collection of poetry by Away with Words, an innovative arts project in which people with intellectual disabilities explore creativity through writing. The readings will be given by well-known actors in locations across Temple Bar.These events will be followed at 7.45pm by a screening in Meeting House Square of animated short Jessica Casey – The Film, which brings to cinematic life one of the main characters created by the authors of the book.There is never a dull moment when Jessica Casey is around – with her long purple nails, UGG boots, piña coladas, her dog Rosie and her plans to go to Ibiza, or Australia, or to invent a new lipstick, or to become a farmer – or a nun?
‘Jessica Casey and Other Works’ is the first formal publication of Away with Words, which was conceived by Claude and Mary Madec, and established as a collaboration between local writers and That’s Life (an initiative of the Brothers of Charity Services in County Galway to support people with intellectual disabilities engaging in the arts life of their communities.) Mary Madec says, “In the individual poems… you will get many insights into how these writers see, feel, taste and hear the world they live in… Poetry also develops an ability to observe and listen to others as well as to oneself. It teaches empathy and compassion…” The book features the three poems that won the First, Second and Third places in the Inclusion Ireland Poetry Awards. The 12-minute animated short Jessica Casey – The Film was created thru the collaboration of members of Away with Words and visual artist Aideen Barry, and was brought to cinematic life using stop motion animation and the inspiration of silent film greats Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.Many of the writers, artists and stars of the Away with Words collective will be in attendance for the Culture Night screening and readings.
These presentations are part of Arts & Disability Ireland’s on-going and internationally-recognised work creating lasting change in the way people with disabilities are involved with, and engage in, artistic and cultural life in Ireland. They champion the creativity of artists with disabilities, promote inclusive experiences for audiences with disabilities, and work to enhance the disability-related capacity of venues.
For further information on Arts and Disability Ireland see www.adiarts.ie
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