Artist Chelsea Canavan’s son Rowan checks out the exhibition. Photo: Chelsea Canavan

Covid-19: What a pane for children!

The exhibition, Our World in a Window, features the animations and mechanised artwork of 49 children across 18 counties.

Launched by children’s arts and health charity Helium Arts, the exhibition is now touring the country and will be in Cork from 22-30 July at the Civic Offices at Cork City Council.

Since February 2021, children aged 9-12 living with long-term health conditions have been exploring the world of animation guided by Helium Arts artist Chelsea Canavan.

From tinfoil and claymation characters to foam sculptures and hand-drawn illustrations, the children’s stories have been bringing windows to life across the nation during these difficult times.

The project origins date back to the onset of the pandemic, when Helium Arts began adapting its programmes to digital and postal formats to allow vulnerable young people to practice their creativity from the safety of their homes.

Commenting on the exhibition, Helium Arts founder and CEO Helene Hugel said it gives a voice to the many children living with health conditions during lock-down.

“Many of these children have faced multiple challenges during the pandemic, including reduced services and cocooning. This exhibition celebrates their talent, persistence and creativity in the face of adversity,” she said.