Creative Pathways to Participation
ATD Fourth World Ireland book and film launch
By ATD Fourth World Ireland
On Tuesday 7 May ATD Fourth World Ireland held an event for the launch of their Creative Pathways to Participation book and film, celebrating the project’s rich creative achievements. Both the film and book, showcase the commitment to the goal of Leave No One Behind, and highlights individual contributions here.
The launch was held in a lecture theatre in the School of Midwifery and Nursing outside the main Trinity College Dublin campus with Professor Joe Whelan as master of ceremonies
Whelan spoke about the creative process as an important mode of inclusion. “Arts‐based creative methodologies can help to make the research and policy‐making process accessible and meaningful for participants … Creative methods allow those who might otherwise appear voiceless to add their voice, to be valued, seen, heard, recognised, and to offer perspective which enriches understanding”.
Support and funding
Creative Pathways to Participation would not be possible without the support and funding of Coalition 2030, an alliance of organisations in Ireland, collaborating for domestic and global achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Meaghan Carmody from Coalition 2030 said, “The SDGs are a global roadmap to address interconnected challenges and help us eradicate poverty, meet universal needs, tackle inequality and operate within planetary boundaries”. This project aims to both promote and tangibly progress the SDGs. Meaghan spoke about the Leave No One Behind promise which is central to the SDGs and how Ireland is clearly not abiding by it. She described ATD Ireland’s work as ‘vital’- meaning ‘of life1’. Paying attention to lived experience and real human stories are integral to progressing social change movements.
Next to speak was Martin Byrne who for many years has done important work in bringing together stories of those living in Dublin’s North Wall. Martin spoke about the significance of Creative Pathways to Participation filming locations and why poetry of struggling communities is so important.
“It is poetry [song dance or story], that gives meaning, hope and direction to our lives. Each of us is a ‘homo poeta’, a meaning-maker, employing a variety of creative expressions.”
Martin Byrne
A viewing of the Creative Pathways film then followed.
Poems and stories
After a break, there was time for poems and stories from the artists themselves, from ATD Ireland there were Tash and Gloria, who shared touching stories about family and home. Siphiwe from Misean Cara shared a poem from a young person involved in the Three2Six poetry project. Ellen recited her poem ‘Economic and Social Inclusion in Ireland’, and Marian read a meaningful story. Christina shared a poem about a former ATD team member Ciara and Jimmy concluded with an epic rap performance.
Comments from the audience then followed. Michael, a Creative Pathways contributor and a member of both ATD and the Matt Talbot Community Trust spoke about the importance of “love, hope and community”, concepts which are central to several of the creative expressions spoken about during the event. He also spoke of his love of fitness, which he wrote about for the book, and offered to coach those who may be looking to get into training. ATD member and poet, Paul, discussed how the book “is a celebration of the activists using their voice”. He took note of the global contributions of the book, describing how many of the themes tackled such as “discrimination, disadvantage and lack of opportunity are common themes across Europe and the world.”
ATD Ireland member and poet, Terence, stated:” In the past in Ireland, you were encouraged to ‘be quiet, say nothing’- This project represents-[the] time to say something. Nessan describes how what we heard today:“Informed us, enriched us and challenged us.
Project launch
Finally, Sr Bernadette came to the stage to formally launch the project. She said, “we experienced today our shared humanity”. Sr Bernadette spoke on the plight of children caused by war in Palestine. She challenged us to not become desensitised to war and human rights violations […] but similarly not to become desensitised to the extreme poverty which exists on our doorstep in Ireland.” She says, “Creative Pathways to Participation book and film gives us new insights into the reality of poverty and how to get out of it.”
ATD Ireland would very much like to thank everyone who came and contributed to the Creative Pathways to Participation launch event. They wish to deeply thank all the artists, writers and contributors in the project. Who bravely shared their words, stories, insights and art. Thank you especially to the ATD Ireland community activists, Doras Bui, Misean Cara and Three2Six, Matt Talbot Community Trust, and Zero Waste Alliance Ireland. ATD Ireland hopes that they are proud of this project and that is widely heard, felt, and understood.
“It was a real pleasure to host the official launch of the Creative Pathways to Participation project in Trinity. The launch was a nourishing and affirming event and I am glad to have played a small part in it.”
Dr Joe Whelan
“Thank you everyone, for this afternoon in Trinity. After such a huge investment over many months, and the last minute challenge of finding a new venue, it was ‘a golden moment’, the stunning book and moving film and launch a source of pride, a huge sense of achievement. As Bernadette concluded, a real expression of our shared humanity.”
Stuart and Isabelle