Click into the link above to listen to the recent interview on LMFM Radio

 #GRASPTHEARTS is an art participation and support campaign to show solidarity for all workers and creators in Ireland's prolific creative industries, by ALL genres across the sector.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, artists, musicians, theatre producers, writers and all other creative and culture producers, including vital behind the scenes supporting professions, are having more asked of them with less support than ever before.   

With a current call on our services to aid the "Healing of our Nation" in these unprecedented times, it is clear as an industry already on its knees more support for the sector is required!   

As our Government and support avenues come to terms with finding adequate solutions for the sector, it is beholden on us as creatives to continue our work, to educate, entertain and stimulate a locked down audience.   It feels time to have a "show of hands" from within the sector to, once and for all, highlight the importance of our creative industries across our society, in terms of job provision, education, entertainment, tourism and annual financial and cultural revenue.

In participation of this campaign we would hope to highlight the force of numbers working within the sector, as in any industry, voice matters...we would hope in our 'Show of Hands' to create a "grasp" on the reality of our numbers and issues as they currently stand and your support and participation is greatly required!

How you can help!

1)  Cast your unique "grasp" through the use of clay (air dried of other) papier-mache, paper pulp or other material that can be dried to a permanent form.

2) Photograph your unique piece and upload your photo with a brief statement of support for the arts industries in ireland, along with your full Name, profession (if you so wish) and most importantly your County location to all social media platforms

3) PLEASE USE HASHTAGS: #graspthearts #showofhandsIRE #mycontributinghand #Irishcultureworks #weareirishculture.

Lets share with the general public, communities at large and any interested parties, in this uniquely personal yet visual way, the breath of involvement by workers and creatives in this area.....I hope you will be happy to "show your hand" in support and solidarity.  Culture is not a "something over there" or "good times" only issue ...Culture Is Ireland, its people, its workers, its global USP and its OUR issue!  

Please visit the website grasptherarts for further information and follow social media #graspthearts on instagram and twitter. 

Keep creatively,
​
Niamh O'Connor
​#Graspthearts