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Reflective, action-based research -
Participants with leadership potential/roles in communities embark on journey of deep dialogue -
Uncovers the role of faith in cultivating positive relationships between people, and addressing divisions caused by faith -
Accredited and non-accredited training -
Group storytelling out of which relationships are built with the ‘same’ and the ‘other’ -
Spread the learning and deepened relationships from the core group process within participants’ local areas -
Single-identity programme, occurring as part of a parallel process across an interface/generation/locality/national identity divide -
Leading Ladies builds the capacity of women to step into their own leadership at their own level
Our Programmes
Crafting Peace 20/10/2010
20/10/10
For Immediate Release
Irish Peace Centresbrought together a group of about sixteen adults from both sides of the border to participate in a cross community craft project. Participants were given the opportunity to produce their own piece of hand beaten copper craft at the historic Stephenstown Pond centre, outside Dundalk. The second stage of this project involved an opportunity to enjoy the art of basket weaving, at Benburb priory outside Armagh city.
Participants produced the craftwork within a broad peace theme, guided by experienced local artists. The project was run over a period of three months. It was an opportunity for the participants to develop new friendships, broaden their understandings of other cultures and learn new skills in a safe space.
Wilhelm Verwoerd, Irish Peace Centres said: “This group of people from Armagh and Louth have shown their willingness to come together at a time when there is still a lot of difficulty in their areas, to develop an understanding of other cultures and experiences. It is hoped that they will share this learning within their communities.”
The Hand Beaten Copper Craft Project is unique because it provides an opportunity to work with the only remaining craft workers of this type in Ireland using hand beaten copper as a medium. Everything is hand done from start to finish, from the cutting of the copper to the chiselling and hammering the design, the oxidization of the copper, folding, backing and lacquering to produce the final unique piece. This allowed the participants to design, develop and produce their own pieces, within a broad peace theme, through individual and teamwork for the duration of the project.
Participants also had the opportunity to learn the art of basket weaving, while working together to produce something beautiful under the broad theme of peace. The cross-border programme culminated on Saturday 15th October with a guided tour of Belfast’s murals and a celebratory lunch at The Point Bar and Grill on Newtownards Road, Belfast to mark the successful pilot programme. A showcase event of the crafts developed by the participants is planned for November.
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Note to Editor:
1. The Irish Peace Centres is a consortium of three peace-building organisations, led by Cooperation Ireland, in partnership with Corrymeela Community and Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.
2. The peace building and reconciliation activities of Irish Peace Centres aim to develop positive and sustainable relationships through integrated action, shared learning and creative co-operation. The range of methodologies and activities adopted by Irish Peace Centres aim to build the capacity of individuals, and empower them to embed their learning and shared understanding in a community context.
3. For more information, visit the Irish Peace Centres website: www.irishpeacecentres.org/page/leading ladies.
4. Contact Bronagh Sharpe, Communications Officer, Irish Peace Centres.
Direct Line: 028 90891025
Mobile: 07872816661
bsharpe@cooperationireland.org
