Mincéir Book Illustration Workshop

Cruinniú na nÓg held a Traveller Traditions Art Exhibition in collaboration with the Galway Traveller Movement in the Study Centre recently, where children’s artwork was on display which celebrated traveller heritage. Traveller children aged 6–12 attended the exhibition and created many wonderful and colourful illustrations showcasing what traveller culture and identity meant to them.

The idea came around when traveller author Nora Corcoran acknowledged that there was very little literature for the younger generation about Traveller heritage and culture, and she wanted to have these topics explored in the children’s curriculum. Nora took it upon herself and decided she was going to compile a book which would be one in a series of colourful children’s books about Traveller Culture and Traditions aimed at the early years genre. Nora hopes to bring her project to fruition and get her book published for use as an educational resource for children in schools and libraries.

Nora Corcoran stated: “Thank you so much to everyone for attending our exhibition displaying artwork on Traveller Traditions. The need for more inclusive learning is pivotal to all young children on their educational journey and this is why I created the first book in a series about Traveller traditions and culture, that will show how diverse children's literature opens the minds of the reader to the positive realisation, that being from a different culture does not make one any less equal than their peers.”
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Cllr. Evelyn Parsons who was also in attendance on the night added: “A clear love of colour was displayed in the children’s artwork. I would also like to see production of children’s colouring books reflecting traveller identity, heritage and culture- basic simple and valuable resources for children which help connect them to community and make sense of their world. I commend the great thematic & creative work done so far and welcome collaboration between other agencies in sourcing practical supports for this necessary project and in bringing it to fruition.”