blackpool block partyThe Blackpool Block Party takes place on Sunday 23rd August on Great William O'Brien Street, Blackpool, Cork. This family fun day promises an eclectic mix of Cajun, Bluegrass, Jazz and Irish traditional music, a free communal lunch with ingredients sourced from community gardens across the northside of Cork City, a ceile and a free afternoon tea party with all the cakes, traybakes and biscuits baked by the residents of Blackpool for the whole community to enjoy. We'll also have art displays, streetacro workshops, outdoor street games, repair cafes, craft stalls and free giveaways including clothes, books and bric a brac. Best of all, we'll be giving away the best seasonal produce from our local community gardens, as well as free planters, pots, compost and seeds, so you can grow your own at home. monthly film screeningWe're screening 'In the Heat of the Night' on Saturday 29th August at 6.30pm at the Blackpool Community Centre. Made three years after the introduction of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and against the backdrop of continuing racial discrimination in the Deep South, 'In the Heat of the Night', starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger, was ground breaking for its direct approach to the subject of bigotry in an oppressive Mississippi town. Doors open at 6pm and admission is free. You can book a free seat, or just turn up on the night. Best of all we have the tea and biscuits covered. GIFT OF THE MONTHThis month we're highlighting the baking skills of one of the members on our free community building platform, Art Link Share. This Cork based member has 6 years professional experience baking a wide range of delicious breads including rye, spelt and wheat sourdoughs, as well as various laminated savoury and sweet pastries. This small example of gifting and sharing resources, is one way we can all take collective action for the common good in our own neighbourhoods. To find out more head over to the website. The Dragon of ShandonThis year we're planning a special 20th Anniversary celebration for the Dragon of Shandon and will keep you updated as the months roll through Summer into Autumn. In the meantime, here's what we know for sure: UPCOMING WORKSHOPS: workshops will begin in early September. If you'd like to participate, please fill out the expression of interest form on our website. If you've previously been involved in an Art Link project, we'll be sending you info over the coming months COMMUNITY HUBS: Alongside workshops at the Lido, our 6 week community outreach programme will expand to The Glen, Ballyvolane and Gurranabraher. More information will be available in our August newsletter and on our website over the coming weeks DRAGON TRIBE TOOLKIT: Our toolkit includes downloadable guides on how to create your own vampire, werewolf, zombie or gargoyle costume. Whether you're working with family, friends, neighbours or around the kitchen table on your own, the toolkit is designed to get you involved in the Dragon of Shandon Parade COUCH SURFING: we're looking for people who are open to hosting visiting participants in this years Dragon of Shandon so, if you're interested in helping out we'd love to hear from you
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community profileThis month we're giving a shout out to the National Learning Network in Hollyhill. We've been working with NLN for 26 years, much of that time with the students of Directions Year 2 who have enjoyed a strong and inspiring partnership with Cork Community Art Link. This creative relationship has provided students with a welcoming and inclusive space where they can express themselves freely, explore new artistic techniques, have the craic and develop confidence through the arts. These workshop sessions have encouraged students to think imaginatively, experiment with new ideas and celebrate their individual talents; the benefits of the partnership extending far beyond creating artwork. Through participating in group projects, students strengthen their communication skills, build social confidence and develop meaningful friendships with their peers. The collaborative nature of the workshops promotes teamwork, problem-solving, mutual respect and inclusion, allowing every student to feel valued and heard; our work together continuing to demonstrate how creativity can break down barriers, promote inclusion and enrich the lives of everyone involved. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTA Constellation of Change, a report by the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts, examines organisations dedicated to socially engaged arts (SEA) practices as key reference points for the field, given their role as mediators between communities, artists, public institutions, research centres, funders and policymakers. It identifies the characteristics and operating realities of SEA organisations across the Council of Europe area and makes recommendations for the development and recognition of a field growing in influence and potential. The findings are based on a variety of sources: an anonymised database of 887 applications to the Alliance’s Fellowship programme in 2025, a survey of 274 SEA organisations, interviews and focus groups with 20 organisations, two interactive webinars with over 150 SEA organisations and extensive desk research. The report maps 1,128 organisations across 39 European countries, making it the most comprehensive study of its kind to date. It highlights the breadth, diversity, and impact of socially engaged arts practice across Europe, and celebrates the many artists and organisations working to create positive social change in their communities. Cork Community Art Link contributed to the report. Behind the ScenesAs part of the Blackpool Block Party, Corlann Blackpool will be displaying the work they've done in a Creative Garden project we've been running over the Summer months. The group have been growing flowers and plants, and making planters and a large arch as part of a permanent feature in the garden. We've been lucky with the weather over the last few months, and the project gave us a great opportunity to get out of the Lido and into the garden and get our hands dirty. monthly pickingsREAD: The Hour of the Predator by Guiliano da Empoli. The rise of autocratic regimes, erosion of traditional diplomacy, and the growing influence of tech billionaires and unregulated AI WATCH: Paper and Glue. A wonderful documentary featuring a handful of projects from French artist JR, who puts people and process at the forefront of his art with enormous pastings displayed in the most diverse and surprising places LISTEN: Blowback. A podcast hosted by journalist and activist Noah Kulwin and Brendan James about American empire and U.S. interventions. Some sounds to put on: Money in the Honey by Socalled; Rich folks hoax by Rodriguez; The Good the Bad and the Ugly by Mathias Duplessy and the violins of the world; Hand on your Gun by Lowkey EAT: Tomato Tart. The taste of summer in a simple and delicious tomato tart
If you'd like to contribute to our monthly pickings, or promote an event or project you're involved in, then drop us a line with a link and short description. If you have any suggestions to make this newsletter better, please let us know. |
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