“Awakening Curiosity”: one of our busiest summers ever

Awakening Curiosity, an interactive art and science programme for schools and families has reached record audience figures at The Ark this summer. Designed to awaken and stimulate the curiosity of children in scientific discovery, art and biodiversity, the three-month programme celebrated Dublin City of Science 2012. We have received extremely positive feedback from visitors and almost 9,000 school children, teachers, families and community groups have participated, making 2012 one of The Ark’s most successful summers, in terms of audience figures, to date.

Transforming the whole of The Ark building into a free flowing explorative space, the exhibition was accompanied by a six week schools workshop series, which completely sold out, and an Education Evening, well attended by guests from the wider education sector. For the first time, we were able to facilitate after schools groups, who, thanks to our key funders, were offered a free facilitated experience of the exhibition.

The programme was made possible by a wide range of funders coming together, some of whom were working with The Ark for the first time. In addition to the support of The Arts Council/An Comhairle Ealaion, our principal supporter, and our annual supporters the Department of Education and Skills, Temple Bar Cultural Trust and Dublin City Council, the Awakening Curiosity programme was supported by Dublin City of Science, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Environmental Protection Agency, The Heritage Council and Notice Nature. Additionally, the programme received in-kind support from Luas and Typetec Ireland Ltd.

To date we've been receiving wonderful feedback from schools and families:
“Must say we really enjoyed last Friday’s experience. Re content, value for money and aesthetic experience, it was most fulfilling. Not one of the boys said they didn’t enjoy it totally. I feel you have put so much effort into the exhibition that it should be extended into next school year so that it can be experienced by a broader range of children. The afternoon workshop was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and provided some great tips, both for Art classes and recycling ideas. Thanks to everybody who made it happen and keep up your excellent work”. Teacher, St. Joseph’s School.

Feedback from families:
- “Our visit was fun and exciting”
- “Cool, exciting, interesting, entertaining”.
- “Exciting, Awesome” (Tom, aged 6)
- “Super” (Joe, aged 4)
- “Great stuff with friendly and understanding staff”
- “Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant” (Julie, aged 7)
- “Exceptional Personnel. Don’t change the formula. It really works!”
- “Creative, fun, stimulating. It’s the best venue in Dublin for kids!”
- “It’s the best family-friendly, child-centred venue in Dublin”
- “Was there yesterday with my little boy for the first time … and we had a fantastic time! He loved it, especially the fact that it's so interactive, and the kids get to be creative and use their imaginations. Can't speak highly enough about The Ark, you could really spend a long time in there, my little guy spent ages designing and making his creation at the roof-top garden … excellent staff, so friendly! We'll definitely be back”

The exhibition and roof top garden closed on 6 August.