Festival helps expand children's imaginations

Arts Minister Edwin Poots has emphasised the importance of stimulating a child’s creative imagination through theatre, storytelling, music and dance.

At the launch of the Sticky Fingers Festival 2007 at Narrow Water Castle, Warrenpoint, the Minister said: “Children are naturally inquisitive and their imaginations need to be fed. The work of Sticky Fingers builds opportunities introducing unique and exciting experiences for children to help their social development.

“It is natural for parents to want to give their children the best start in life. Our children are our future. They are precious and immensely engaging and are naturally inquisitive and imaginative. It is a pity we sometimes tend to suppress these natural instincts in adulthood.”

Congratulating Grainne Powell, Sticky Finger’s Artistic Director and her team on their hard work and vision the Minister said: “Through sharing experiences with similar organisations in Northern Italy Sticky Fingers have greatly benefited and are seeking to push back the boundaries here.

“In addition, the partnership with Stranmillis College to develop an Early Years Arts Module as part of the Childhood Studies Degree and MA Course is further tangible recognition of the work.”

The Minister concluded by wishing the organisers and everyone involved a successful Festival and an enjoyable week.

(JM/SP)