Blue Drum - The Arts Specialist Support Agency for the Community Development Sector

Blue Drum works with others - individuals and organisations.


		The Family Resource Centre National Forum is a support network working with Family Resource Centres (FRCs) throughout Ireland. The aim of the Forum is to represent the views of all Family Resource Centres nationally and provide practical support to Family Resource Centres involved in family support and social inclusion initiatives. The aim of the Family Resource Centre programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. The programme emphasises involving local communities in tackling the problems they face, and creating successful partnerships between voluntary and statutory agencies at community level. www.familyresource.ie

		Jessica Carson is the coordinator of Mayfield arts and Nora Furlong is the Youth Arts coordinator. Mayfield Arts, Newbury house is a unique dedicated arts space based in the heart of Mayfield at Newbury House Family Centre. Its mission is to connect, learn, act and reflect with the different communities that we are part of. We will create spaces where authentic relationships can develop, where people can learn, express themselves and grow in an atmosphere of trust and creativity. We will support people of all ages and backgrounds to fulfill their cultural rights and participate in realising their visions for change. We aim to offer opportunities to members of our community to (i) learn about themselves, (ii) express their creativity and perspectives and (iii) explore their role as creative local and global citizens. Website

		Sinead Pierce and William Frode de la Foret from Cork Community Art Link Cork is a group that exists to make life in Cork better by making art together. It encourages meaningful collaborations between artists and people that result in the creation of great art bringing creativity to places where people live, work and play. The work engages with people both as participants and spectators in public spaces developing new ways of connecting with the arts. Website

		Conor Shields from Community Arts Partnership (Belfast) is one of the leading advocates for community arts in Northern Ireland CAP is committed to promoting community arts through a variety of services. We provide a wide range of workshop programmes to groups and communities across Northern Ireland. It also offer information, support and research services to any individuals, groups and organisations interested in community arts. www.comartspartner.org

		Niall Crowley from Claiming Our Future, which explores how best to cooperate and coordinate endeavours for a more equal, inclusive and sustainable Ireland. It includes many different organisations such as trade unions, environmental groups, community groups, migrant worker organisations, youth groups, older people’s organisations, cultural groups, student groups, developing world groups, rural networks, women’s organisations, disability groups, social media and social justice organisations. It is not a political party and does not intend to become one. www.claimingourfuture.ie

		Limerick City Community Arts Group was established in 2010 to: promote arts in Limerick City communities involve communities in the development of arts that is relevant to their lives build the capacity of communities, including the arts community, to develop and promote community arts. The Group’s membership includes Southill and St. Munchin's Family Resource Centres and many others. In 2012, the Group has joined Blue Drum in exploring the feasibility of a national event in 2013. Karen O'Donnell O'Connor is the coordinator from the Paul Partnership and Monica Spenser supported the delivery of training for people living and working in communities with the view of developing the arts in the wider community.

		Kaunas Biennial is our partner in the City (Re)Searches Project. The Biennial is a platform for - artists’ debates and the realisation of innovative ideas, - the enhancement of the sense of community through creative activities, - interdisciplinary artistic and academic practices, - international and intercontinental partnerships. www.bienale.lt

		Jeanne van Heeswijk's Freehouse, in southern Rotterdam’s Afrikaanderwijk neighbourhood is a project which helps the district to grow stronger culturally and economically. It serves as a home for a new cultural entrepreneurship and has succeeded in bringing together local businesspeople, youth, artists and designers to exchange knowledge, experience and ideas. In Suit It Yourself, clothes and accessories are being developed with women from local sewing and craft groups, while MWFH is a fashion collection produced in collaboration with the Freehouse sewing studios. And at Lucky Mi Fortune Cooking, a mobile kitchen and snack lab that devises new intercultural recipes, diners can sample the flavours of south Rotterdam. www.freehouse.nl