Over the past few days and in my initial discussions with people about the subject of the arts and politics, what is becoming more and more apparent is that people feel there needs to be a change in how we educate children in this country about the arts. Art (including music, drama, visual arts) is often relegated to extracurricular activities, and many feel that sports are being given too big an advantage in the race for the funding of extracurricular activities. If arts aren’t being championed enough at schools, there is a good chance that they are not being supported fully at home. Children should not have to choose between art and sport.

Art, in any form, should be a necessary part of everyone’s education.

I attended the Curator’s talk at The Ark yesterday afternoon. At the moment, the ark is home to an exhibit called Creative Creatures. The exhibit is a celebration of animals created by using various arts and crafts methods. I found that Brian Kennedy was not only focused on making sure children were involved in the show on an artistic level, but also on an educational level. He feels very strongly that children should be encouraged to explore and experience the show in many ways: using all their senses and their unique imaginations. Kennedy understands that we should not force children to experience art in one way, but in many ways; it is important to allow each particular child to have full reign to make whatever discoveries they can within the exhibition.

The Ark is an incredible resource for the people of Dublin (and Ireland as a whole) to engage children with all different aspects of the arts. I wonder if it would be possible for other theatres, from the Abbey right down to small independent companies, to figure out ways to engage children and families so that from the beginning, Irish citizens have a connection and appreciation of the arts.