We’ve said before that if we’re quiet, it’s probably because we’re scheming…and that was certainly the case over the past few months! Between finding out who this year’s Open Call recipients are (more on that to come), to planning Cruinniú na nÓg, to dreaming up our own creative projects alongside our fabulous Culture & Creativity team…well, you could say it’s been a busy time.
We’re emerging from a blur of spreadsheets, invoices, and paperwork and are here to report that it has all been without question worth it — because finally one of our 2024 dreams is coming to life this very weekend!
What is Playful Streets?
You may have heard of Playful Streets before — it’s a fantastic nationwide initiative that shuts down traffic in a particular neighbourhood for a couple of hours so that everybody can come out of their houses and play together. This project was piloted last year in Waterford by our Healthy Waterford team and a plethora of other wonderful partners, and they’re going again in 2024. Check out this timetable to get an idea of just how many neighbourhoods they’ll be visiting — no small task!
So what do Creative Waterford have to do with it this year?
Super question! One of our favourite things about our job is that we get to be playful. So many of the projects we support involve an element of play, and because of this we definitely get to have more fun at work than your average adult. We decided to spread the creative fun and install…
Not one…
Not two…
Not three…
But NINE creative workshops at various Playful Streets events across the summer!
We’re beyond excited to bring an artistic offering to these fantastic events, and so grateful to the organising team for welcoming the suggestion with open arms.
What does this mean?
What it means is we have fantastic creatives working busily in the background as we speak to curate interactive offerings for those who come out to play. We don’t want to spoil the surprises these artist have in store, but let’s just say certain neighbourhoods are in for an extra special treat!
Which events will have artists?
Our artists will be installed in the following communities:
Hillview
Tallow
Belvedere Manor
Kilmacthomas
Slí na Coille (Tramore)
Ferrybank
Ballinacourty (Dungarvan)
Passage East
Villierstown
…and we simply can’t wait to see the results!
Whether your community has an artist installed or not, be sure to get out and support your local Playful Streets event if it comes to your neighbourhood. They’re full of fun activities and provide a chance to create priceless memories with your neighbours.
We’re sure you’ll agree, the organising team of Playful Streets have knocked it out of the park with this initiative!