Open Call for Artists: Pop-Up Poetry for ‘lil Peeps Workshop Opportunity

Branar and The Ark are delighted to open this call for professional writers & songwriters with an interest in composing new & original poetry and nonsense rhymes for children from birth to age 6 to participate in exploratory workshops for Pop-Up Poetry Volume 2.

This is a paid artist development opportunity.

We are committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and so we welcome applications from artists from a range of linguistic backgrounds and a diversity of languages as well those writing in English and Irish. We also love hearing from new voices, so no previous relationship with either organisation is necessary.

Pop-Up Poetry for Lil' Peeps


Background:

In 2019 Branar began development work for a performance led poetry project devised specifically for children aged from birth to 6 years entitled Pop-Up Poetry for ‘lil Peeps.

The project commissions new and original poetry, rhymes and songs by contemporary artists based in Ireland that resonates, engages with and inspires our youngest citizens.

The first volume of this poetry, kindly supported by Creative Ireland, was broadcast on RTÉ JNR TV for Cruinniú na nÓg 2020 and remains available digitally online, with original work composed by Mary Murphy, Tadhgh Mac Dhonnagáin, Liz Weir & Inni-K. You can take a look at this work online here: https://branar.ie/en/projects

Branar and The Ark are now collaborating to develop the second volume of this project.

As part of the initial phase of Pop-Up Poetry Volume 2 we are inviting artists to apply to participate in an exploratory workshop facilitated by Branar’s artistic director Marc Mac Lochlainn at The Ark on 21 & 22nd August. Each selected writer will be paired with a performer and invited to play & explore the worlds and words of early years children.

Following the workshop, Branar and The Ark will seek to commission a small number of artists for further work.

How to Apply:

Detailed guidelines about the call out are available here: https://ark.ie/content/files/P...

We recently held an online information session via Zoom. If you missed it, you can watch it back online here.

When you are ready to apply, you can do so by completing our application form online here: https://form.jotform.com/23180...

All applications must be received by 5pm on Thursday 27 July.

If you have any questions about the opportunity or the application process, please contact Aisling O’Gorman at aisling@ark.ie or Joanne Beirne at joanne@branar.ie

About Branar

Branar is one of Ireland’s leading theatre companies making work for children. Based in the West of Ireland, Branar are renowned for creating highly imaginative & beautiful work. Established in 2001 Branar has created over 22 shows in that time. It works closely with an ensemble of exceptional artists and collaboratively with a number of creative partners, including The Ark, Baboró, NIE (UK), Starcatchers (Scotland), ANU, Landmark, The Abbey & many leading Irish arts centres & festivals. The company tours nationally and internationally, committed to reaching its audience, wherever they are. https://branar.ie

About The Ark

The Ark is a dedicated cultural centre for children. We create opportunities for children, along with their families and friends or with their school, to discover and love art. Through our work with leading Irish and international artists children can enjoy performances in our unique child-sized theatre, view engaging exhibitions or participate in creative workshops.

You can read more about us at http://ark.ie/about