Being young is not easy, and for young creatives finding things to do, that a right for you can be particularly challenging.
Inspireland Camps were founded by poet and educator, Stephen Murray. Mr Murray, a former Cuirt Poetry Slam Champion makes his living running poetry, misogyny and language awareness workshops in secondary schools. and it was this experience that inspired him to set up the camps.
“Every time I walk into a classroom, I spot the young artists. They are normally in the corner trying not to be noticed. I notice them, because I was them, when I was their age,” he said.
“The classroom can be a hostile place, if you’re individual or unique. Being yourself is the hardest, and feeling accepted, is the hardest thing to be.
”Inspireland Camps were set up for all young creatives to be themselves and express themselves in whatever way they want to. Each day involves a different activity with a professional artist or graduate, learning animation, comic art, character design, video game art, portraiture, mixed media & illustration.
“I like to think of it as a pirate ship, where all those kids I notice in those classrooms come together and realise how brilliant they are, because they really are,” said Stephen.
“These are the camps I want my kids to go to, the camp I wish I had for myself.”
Inspireland Art & Animation Camps run from 11 am to 3 pm at Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club on the weeks of July 7 and July 28. Visit www.inspireland.ie
