Mermaid to reach out to kids in Direct Provision
MERMAID Arts Centre plans to introduce a storytelling programme for children living in Direct Provision centres in Wicklow.
Speaking during a presentation at the November meeting of Wicklow County Council, Niamh O’Donnell, Artistic Director of Mermaid Arts Centre outlined the organisation’s outreach programme across Wicklow and its communities. Among these, six performances had taken place in homes in Wicklow town and Greystones for families of sick children, in partnership with the Jack and Jill Foundation.
Ms O’Donnell also outlined some of the Mermaid’s work to nurture and develop new talent, pointing to the centre’s decision to be the first to book comedy trio, Foil, Hog and Arms.
The presentation also acknowledged the difficulty in delivering performances in the south and west of the county, due to geographical factors.
Many councillors spoke of their support for the Mermaid’s work in the community, praising its focus on inclusivity.
Cllr Mags Crean (Ind) noted arts centres have the ‘potential to build at a community level’. Cllr Peir Leonard (Ind) spoke about the value of the arts, saying she would like the council to widen its support for artists and creators.
In response to a query from Cllr Sylvester Bourke (FG), Ms O’Donnell said the Mermaid was hoping to do more outreach work in Arklow and to reach out to the town’s Asgard Theatre.
She also outlined that the centre was starting a programme of storytelling in Direct Provision centres, with the artist FeliSpeaks.
‘Mermaid knows we need to do more and there’s always more to do,’ she added.