With the impending mid-term break nearly upon us most of us
parents will take up the role of entertainment manager in an attempt to keep
our children's over-active brains ticking over, writes Debbie Tierney.
This week, I took my daughter to the Ark in Dublin's Temple Bar, Europe's
first cultural centre for children between the ages of three to fourteen.
The centre's
philosophy is that children have the same entitlements as adults when it comes
to an outlet for creative expression as well as cultural awareness.
The children's centre was first founded in 1995 and has
since grown successfully into Dublin's
leading children's cultural hub. The cultural work here is solely for children, by children and about children. This place is a haven for
creative expression and fun times.
Interaction between children and workers is paramount here
and there is any number of workshops available for your little ones to partake
in, such as toy making, jigsaw making and crafts.
Ticket prices are reasonable, starting at €6.50 for one
child; there are also discounted family and tour prices available.
Children from disadvantaged areas can pay a reduced rate. The
centre's social policy is to be as inclusive as possible while working within
available financial resources and the Ark has organized a number of projects for those from disadvantaged areas.
There are even some outreach programmes where staff members work
closely with children from disadvantaged communities as well as a variety of
health care environments.
All sorts of events take place in the Ark throughout the year such as, plays, exhibitions; workshops, festivals,
concerts, readings, opera, dance, multimedia and much more.
Your children will love the chance to interact and
participate. Staff members here make a real effort to ensure high quality and
personally meaningful experiences for you and your children.
Right now the ark has launched its stage adaptation of
"Beware of the Storybook Wolves" by Lauren Child. A self described
"Nasty in the middle but happy-ever-afterly showI" This is sure to be
a definite winner with my six-year-old daughter I not to mention her slightly older
mum! Peter Pan syndrome anyone?
'Beware of the Story BookWolves' will take place from the 5th Feb until the 16th March, for a full list of public performances and event listings log onto www.Ark.ie or call 01 6707788.
Comments