As part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2020 artist Helen Barry created spaces and implements that offered an immersive and interactive play experience for children and families to be together and yet maintaining social separation at the same time.
These installations, suitable for 0-10 year olds and their families created for play invited children and families to move walls, invent new games, explore sound, construction, colour and texture whilst making new friends.
The concept for Block, Paper, Magnets now we Play stems from the artist’s research with children living with profound and complex needs where the spectrum for engagement requires protection, inclusion, boundaries and imagination.This research has been done in partnership with the Central Remedial Clinic School and Stepaside Educate Together N.S. and has been made possible through a YPCE 2019 Bursary awarded by The Arts Council. Helen would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support from the National Concert Hall in her work with early years children and families.
Helen's website has updates and information as the project developed on www.helenbarry.com
This commission is generously funded by Creative Ireland as part of dlr’s Cruinniú na nÓg 2020 and programmed by dlr Arts Office.