Early Years arts sector gets cash injection

NIPPA – the Early Years Organisation and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland have today launched two projects which are set to bring a cash injection of £340,000 to the early years sector across the province.

The launch marks a new partnership which will see Arts Council funding made available for the delivery of arts programmes at Early Years stage (£250,000), complemented by a training programme (£90,000) for artists and Early Years practitioners who will combine their skills to help young children explore ways of “emotionally expressing themselves through art and movement”.

Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of NIPPA - the Early Years Organisation said: “Last year NIPPA engaged an artist to work with four early years settings and implement the renowned Italian learning approach called ‘Reggio Emilia’.

“To see how a child’s imagination has translated pieces of plaster, egg boxes, shells and sand into remarkable pieces of art – is testimony to the importance of providing opportunities for our children to unlock their creativity. “

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council Northern of Ireland, said the Council placed a high priority on developing the quality of provision and access to creative opportunities for children in Early Years.

“This significant investment of £340,000 from our Lottery Fund strengthens our commitment to supporting an environment in which children are encouraged and enabled to express their natural creativity through the arts,” she added.

(MB)