Creative Generations Festival showcases intergenerational collaboration and creativity

April 22, 2024

Press Office

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is set to host the vibrant Creative Generations Festival from Monday, April 22, to Monday, April 29, providing a platform for intergenerational collaboration and creative expression.

The festival, funded by the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Office, starts on Monday, April 22, with the dynamic “Baby Dance” session from 11 am to 12 pm at ATU Sligo, Dance Studio in the newly opened Block L. This unique experience, led by Dance the Medicine DJ Kate Brown and Open Floor Mindful Movement Facilitator Éadaoin Ní Challaráin, invites babies under two years old and their grandparents or grandfriends to groove to a live DJ set of world music. Booking is available via Eventbrite, with only a few places remaining.

Later that day, from 2:30 pm to 4 pm at ATU Sligo’s Hume Hall, Student Services Building, students will gather for “Knowing-Being-Doing.” This symposium brings together students from various programs to exchange ideas on working alongside and learning from different age groups within the context of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Discussions will range from intergenerational learning to reimagining urban spaces. Booking is open on Eventbrite.

Tuesday, April 23, sees the prize-giving ceremony for the “A Picture Speaks” children’s photography competition and the launch of the “Generational Calm” Exhibition at 11am in Oh, So Fresh Coffee Shop, in Block D. Additionally, “This Is What Matters To Us” provides a platform for people of all ages to share their life experiences and intergenerational relationships at 4:30 pm in The Collaboration Space, Room B1318. Booking for “This Is What Matters To Us” is available on Eventbrite.

On Wednesday, April 24, at 12pm in Room D1002 at ATU Sligo, the “Age-Friendly Sligo Seminar” will feature Kate Gibbons, Sligo County Council’s Age-Friendly Coordinator, discussing the Age-Friendly Alliance’s work and future strategies. Booking is open on Eventbrite.

Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26, feature “Connect and Create” sessions from 9 am to 12 pm, where children under six and older adults can spend time together getting creative. “Connect and Create” intergenerational workshops are facilitated by ATU students. Participation is by invitation.

Concluding the festival on Friday, April 26, is the “Senior Sports Fest” at Knocknarea Arena. A successful annual event organised by Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership, this event promotes the importance of fitness and offers various activities, including aerobic workouts, walking, and indoor games. Further information is available by contacting Shane Hayes at shane@sligosportandrecreation.ie

ATU Lecturer and Festival Producer, Kate Brown said: “This April, we are looking forward to opening our doors to our local communities, young and old, for the Creative Generations Festival. On this year’s programme, we have dance, photography, storytelling and film, participatory creative workshops and discussion on the importance of creative learning. The festival celebrates the arts and culture, which are vital for the university’s engagement with local communities, and wider society. Importantly, Creative Generations supports Global Intergenerational Week 2024. The campaign seeks to highlight the powerful outcomes that are achieved, when people of all ages come together.”

With an array of engaging talks, exhibitions, workshops and activities the Creative Generations Festival promises a week of inspiration, connection, and celebration of intergenerational creativity.

For further information about Creative Generations Festival, email: kate.brown@atu.ie.