Cúirt International Festival of Literature has extended its thanks to all those who took part in the Cúirt Labs this year.

For the Labs, the festival’s Writer in Residence for Children, Mary Watson, and fellow writers Aoife Casby, Meadhbh Ní Eadhra and Luke Morgan facilitated workshops in 15 primary schools across Galway – almost double the number of previous years.

Pupils from First Class to Sixth Class took part in creative writing and reading, in English and Irish, led by the facilitators, who invited them to get involved in story-telling, book-making and more.

During May and June, the Cúirt Labs visited Newtown NS (Tuam), Scoil Chroí Íosa (Galway), Claregalway Educate Together NS (Claregalway), Scoil Naomh Padraig (Moylough), St Nicholas’ Parochial School (Galway), St Brendan’s NS (Ballinasloe), Brierhill NS (Castlegar), Scoil Chroí Naofa (Athenry), Claddagh National School (Galway), Castlegar National School (Castlegar), Scoil Mhuire (Oranmore), St Patrick’s Primary School (Galway), Scoil na bhForbacha (Furbo), Scoil Fhursa (Galway) and Scoil Iognáid (Galway).

This programme focused on bringing arts and literature to children and young people, to inspire, influence and educate, explains Cúirt Director Manuela Moser.

This encourages the next generations of writers, artists and arts enthusiasts from all backgrounds and communities across Galway.

This programme was supported by The Community Foundation for Ireland and its Chief Executive, Denise Charlton, said the organisation was “delighted and honoured to be part of this expansion and the impact it will have on so many more young lives”.

She stressed that “access to the arts is an equality issue” and added that the Community Foundation shared the vision and enthusiasm displayed in the Cúirt Labs to break down barriers to that access.

“We are a foundation which with the support of our donors, is on a mission of equality for all, in thriving communities.

“Bringing the colour, joy and passion of creative writing and literature into young lives is central to that mission. The doubling of the Cúirt Labs workshops to reach even more primary schools is a huge achievement,” she said.

For more information about the programme, check out https://www.cuirt.ie/cuirt-labs-2023/.