ATD Ireland are excited to announce that “Creative Pathways to Participation”, our recent publication has won first place in the Irish category in the Creative Lives Awards.
Creative Pathways to Participation is a collection of poetry, writing and art showcasing the importance of creative outlets; for finding voice, self expression, self recognition and sharing insights on issues of social justice, equality and inclusion. It was a follow up to 2021 publication ‘Lockdown Liberties‘.
On Thursday 26th September 2024, ATD Ireland team members Dann and Paul travelled to London to the Creative Lives Awards Ceremony to receive the award on behalf of all the Creative Pathways contributors.
Thank you to Paul, a key driving force behind the conceptual theme of the book.
“This book and collection of work is a celebration of the personal and collective achievements of the authors over the last number of years. Through the words and art, it is an opportunity to take stock of the personal and collective development and growth”- Paul Community Activist ATD Ireland
We are really grateful to all the contributors who so bravely and generously offered their words, art and ideas to this project. The contributors who included ATD Ireland Community Activists, members and volunteers, ATD UK and ATD Guatemala, Doras Buí, Zero Waste Alliance Ireland, Matt Talbot Community Trust, Misean Cara and three2six.
There were so many innovative, creative and important projects nominated for this award so it was really an honour to be included among them and to have our work recognised in this way. Creative outlets are such an important part of all our work. It’s an important way for us to get our message across and for people to be able to express themselves. There is so much talent within this book and film from people who often would not get have their skills and abilities recognised. Find the book, film and individual contributions here.
Thank you to Coalition 2030 for funding this project. Thank you so much to Creative Lives and to all who voted for our project!
“ATD Ireland is extremely grateful to receive this important recognition of our Creative Pathways to Participation project from Creative Lives. Creative Pathways to Participation is a collection of poetry, writing and art showcasing the importance of creative outlets; for finding voice, self expression, self recognition and sharing insights on issues of social justice, equality and inclusion. This piece of work aims to shine a light on the brave efforts made by many people struggling with poverty and social exclusion to express themselves publicly and to face the barriers and inequalities head on.”
Dann Kenningham National Coordinator ATD Ireland
Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in the Irish Government, said: “I would like to express my sincere congratulations to ATD Ireland, the winners of the Creative Lives Ireland Award. I had the honour of being asked to provide the foreword for The Creative Pathways to Participation project, the aim of which was to nourish and spotlight the creative talents and knowledge of those impacted by poverty and discrimination, or those who otherwise experience marginalisation. This now award-winning project recognised the value of creative outlets for self-expression and for finding one’s voice, given that people who are struggling may not often have a platform to do so”.
Robin Simpson, Chief Executive of Creative Lives said: “The Creative Lives Awards consistently reveal the extraordinary impact of volunteer-led creative groups. This year’s winners demonstrate – yet again – the vital role such groups play in building stronger, more resilient communities. At a time when so many are experiencing isolation and uncertainty, these groups offer a lifeline of connection, shared purpose and joy.”
