Event Category: Digital Storytelling

Launch of graphic novels on Michael Collins and James Craig

Making the Future presents the launch of a two new graphic novels exploring the lives and actions of two of the most important actors in the events that led to the partition of this island, Michael Collins and James Craig.

The graphic novels have been developed as part of the Making the Future project funded by PEACEIV managed through SEUPB. They will explore the impact both men had on events throughout the Decade of Centenaries and allow an insightful look at the same events from two different political perspectives, reminding us that history can and should always be examined and understood from more than one viewpoint.

Launch of NICIE Impact Report 2019-20

NICIE digitally launches their Impact Report for 2019/2020. The report highlights the ongoing contribution of Integrated Education to building good relations and promoting reconciliation. The digital report was accompanied by three short animated films that further explain the purpose of Integrated Education and how people can get involved.

Creative Centenaries Comic Book Showcase

The Nerve Centre’s Creative Centenaries project has developed a suite of graphic novels focused on real-life characters from Ireland’s Decade of Centenaries. This event showcased these resources and how they can be downloaded and used for free.

The graphic novels were developed with our shared history in mind, highlighting prominent figures and events important to both nationalist and unionist communities on this island. From Constance Markiewicz to Lady Londonderry, the Battle of Messines to the Easter Rising; the history of the turbulent decade leading up to the creation of Northern Ireland and the Free State is covered in insightful detail. These resources aim to complement the curriculum, as well as to supplement it.

Developed as part of “Making the Future” – a major culture programme funded by PEACE IV and managed by SEUPB, this event was part of the ‘Creative Centenaries’ strand of the programme and delivered by Nerve Centre.

Partition – An Animated Journey

The content showcased a range of ‘Creative Centenaries’ resources developed as part of “Making the Future” – a major culture programme funded by PEACEIV managed by SEUPB.

It included a new 2.5D animation offering an overview of the period, an interactive schools resource examining partitions impact in West Belfast and flip through comic books on the lives of influential people from the time. The resources are designed to improve community relations and the continuing journey towards a more united and shared society.

100 Voices

This event entitled ‘100 Voices’ recorded the thoughts, hopes, experiences and expectations of the forthcoming anniversary of NI 100 years which will take place in May 2021.

This event will be a unique opportunity to reflect on the past and to celebrate the present and to look towards the future. It will be facilitated within a spirit of historical accuracy, mutual respect, inclusiveness and reconciliation which will acknowledge the Decade Principles supported by the Community Relations Council and The Heritage Lottery Fund.

It will be an opportunity for 100 voices representing both young and old, across our diverse society to engage in a project that will create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Diversity Boxes Project: Sion Mills

A short film documenting the Rural Housing Association’s Diversity Boxes Project in partnership with ArtsEkta. The Diversity boxes project delivered educational boxes full of cultural fact sheets, arts and crafts and recipes inspired by cultures from around the world to over 70 families in Sion Mills, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project aimed to promote respect for diversity and provides families with the opportunity to explore cultures from around the world whilst at home. The finale was a series of cultural performances in several locations across Sion Mills (all socially distanced) in August.

 

In This Together – reflecting back, looking forward

Stories of how rural communities showed pure resilience through the Covid 19 pandemic and the work they undertook either voluntary or paid to assist those most in need when they needed support most.

This event outlined a series of online interviews with the participants who engaged in the project which can be viewed on the Rural Community Network website: www.ruralcommunitynetwork.org

Makaton: Rhyme and Craft – Twinkle Twinkle

Learn a makaton rhyme and get creative with a craft activity. Makaton helps in communication using signs and symbols along with speech. It is useful for children and adults who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. It and can therefore strengthen bonds between children and parents and/or make communication easier for those they come in to contact with who use Makaton.

Not being able to communicate clearly can lead to frustration and tantrums in children and Makaton is a tool to help them express themselves easier giving them confidence and improving their self-esteem. Makaton improves communication skills such as listening, memory and recall.

This session was a fun activity for parents and children to learn how to sign a well-known rhyme and develop their creative side with a craft activity.

 

Storytelling with Liz Weir – Stone Soup

These storytelling sessions are delivered by renowned storytellers from different cultural backgrounds. The stories they tell provides a glimpse of other cultures to help promote and celebrate cultural diversity.

It is hoped these storytellers will inspire the various communities living in Northern Ireland to feel welcome and to create a sense of belonging.

It is also hoped the sessions will encourage individuals to promote their own cultural background through the use of the arts.