Oiche na nDeich Seol was a festival created by children for children and adults. My proposal was to work with the children in supporting them to host their own public event for the local public. I wanted everything that was in the festival to be based on the children's interpretation of their environment and experiences of living in Connemara. This was expressed through animations, photography, writing and through their taking ownership of all aspects of this event.

There were several strands to this event. The children created animations based on their interpretation of an old story. These were then projected onto the sails of ten traditional boats (Huiceiri/ Hookers and Flying 15's) on the night. The children also visited a screen printing workshop and took part in willow lantern making workshops. Having taken photography classes, the images the children produced were put onto badges, postcards, posters, and t-shirts which were sold on the night.

The children sold their own work to the public and offered a face painting service on the night of the event. Other stalls holders and musicians were invited by the children to take part in their festival. Some of whom included a pottery workshop, several musicians, a sweet shop, a toy shop, a cafe for adults and an arts and crafts supplier.

The project was featured and promoted on a number of websites, including www.cearaconway.com
www.udaras.ie
www.Practice.ie

The project was covered in the Connaught Tribune and Gaelscéal.

This commission was highlighted as part of a talk on public art given by the Galway Arts Centre on 28 November 2010.

Ceara Conway studied at the Edinburgh College of Art, Alfred College of Art, New York and NCAD. She then set up a Glass Blowing Studio in Rome for two years before returning to live and work in the West of Ireland.

Her area and interest of practice focuses on participatory arts where she has the opportunity to address issues that are of interest to her. She does this through her collaborations with communities, artists residencies and public commissions.

Specializing in glass and photography she often uses whatever media and collaborations she feels suits her most current ideas. Her current commissions include a Per Cent for Art commission with Offaly County Council and a pilot project called Correspond with the Galway Hospital Arts Trust

As well as her public works she is currently focusing on making smaller pieces for exhibitions. She has been a recipient of an Arts Council Bursary and Galway City and County Council Awards.

Local children, the boating community and wider community were involved in this project.

Artists Sharon Lynch, Peter Casby and Tommy Casby were employed during this project to hold workshops

Three volunteer art students from GMIT art college also came on board.