This month Play Resource began a year-long series of events to mark 25 years of funding and support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

‘We thought that what we would like to do is show what public funding for the arts has meant in real terms over those 25 years, what it has done for Play Resource, and more importantly what that investment has given to the community and young people,’ explained Director Anne O’Donoghue.

Play Resource welcomed Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council to see for herself the artists inspiring school children in a workshop where scrap materials were the source of creativity, fun and learning!

Using scrap materials from local industry, children from Edmund Rice Primary school were challenged to create some unique works of art to celebrate Play Resource’s 25 year partnership with the Arts Council.  The P5 class used waste materials, donated by local businesses, to create their very own masterpieces at a special Play Resource open day. Working with artists Sally Young and Anne Quail the children created artwork, using Scrapstore favourites such as foam, plastic, fabric, cardboard and foil, donated to the Play Resource by over 140 local businesses.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: ‘Over the past 25 years Play Resource has grown from a small creative resource to a successful artistic enterprise which delivers creative projects to thousands of children every year.

‘Today’s workshop with Edmund Rice Primary School is a celebration of the partnership between Play Resource and the Arts Council. However, it is important to remember that creative projects like this are about more than just entertainment; they provide a basis for learning, promoting creativity and helping young people acquire the valuable life skills required for a successful future.’

‘The through-put here is amazing,’ commented McDonough, after watching children making Christmas sculptures with reclaimed materials.  ‘They do astonishing work, and I think there is no child or no school in Northern Ireland that hasn’t availed of the services of Play Resource.’

Follow the link to see the Culture Northern Ireland video clip of the event showcasing the workshop and artwork produced for pupils Creative Christmas Challenge, and learn more about Play Resource’s support for the Why the Arts Matters campaign.