The kids are in charge for now

A new programme will see selected schools in Cork county become temporary custodians of original artworks.

Called Frameworks, it’s an innovative, classroom-based education programme inviting primary schools across the county to engage directly with the Cork County Art Collection.

Cork County Council’s Culture and Creativity team launch the project which will see pupils take part in a rich creative learning experience led by a professional artist-in-residence, offering a rare opportunity to experience, explore and respond to original works of art within their own classroom.

The visual art collection includes works across many mediums, including painting, drawing, print, photography, video and small-scale sculpture. The collection features both emerging and established artists, many of whom are based in Cork. As part of Frameworks, pupils will be introduced to these artworks and guided through a series of workshops, culminating in the creation of a collaborative artwork developed in response to the collection.

The programme will conclude with a school-hosted showcase event, where both the borrowed artworks and the children’s creative responses will be displayed for families and the wider school community.

Speaking about the initiative, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “This collection belongs to the people of Cork, and we’re keen to share it as widely as we can. Frameworks give young people the chance to experience and respond to art creatively in their own classrooms, sparking both learning and imagination.”

Funded by Creative Ireland, the Frameworks programme is delivered free of charge to participating schools.

Applications are now open, and any primary schools interested in taking part are invited to apply by emailing Creative.Ireland@corkcoco.ie. The closing date for applications is 6pm Friday 30 May.