Organisers have hailed an upcoming festival as “an homage to North Dublin” ahead of its launch later this month.
Faoin Spéir is an arts festival scheduled to run in Artane on the 18 th of June and will feature a variety of performances, including a screening of a film made by teenagers from Le Chéile Donneycarney Youth Project.
Curator Louise Osborne explains that the festival was envisioned by local residents associations and community groups over the past several months.
“The idea of a community space came to light. They talked a lot about the heydays of the 80s and 90s when there would be community games in the park. There was all this lovely reminiscing. We thought it would be great to plan a top quality arts event that also serves as a nostalgic, humble community space,” Louise says.
Faoin Spéir received funding from the Arts Council during the earlier stages of the pandemic as part of an effort to fund outdoor events. The majority of consultations regarding the project took place over Zoom during the last lockdown. Admission for the day is free of charge.
The film produced by Donnycarney Youth Project concerns a group of teenagers who get locked into a youth centre mere hours before they are meant to attend a concert. The script was written by teenagers and Louise says the production is “sweet” and relatable.
Other features include a mural painting project by local artist Dayana Bautista, dance performances on the promenade and a parkwide yarn bomb installation.
Louise wants the local community to feel like they have “ownership” of the festival.
“We wanted to build it from the ground up, working with communities and residents associations. It’s not a one size fits all event. Family fun days are great craic for the community. But what we really want is to make something by and for the community,” she reveals.
The festival will run in Artane’s Rockfield Park on June 18th . Further information about the event is available here.
