b"The Ark is a place where children age 2-12 are empowered and encouraged to answer such questions through creativeexpression. Opened in 1995, it was Europe's rst cultural center for children. The multi-story building in the heart ofDublin is laid out with children in mind: colors, textures, and A TOUCH EVERYTHING ATTITUDE MAKE CHILDRENFEEL ENGAGED AND WELCOMED. The Arks deliberately broad denition of culture is inclusive: literature, dance,music, new technologies, and lm are just some of the mediums used to inspire children, their families, schools, andcommunities. Programs are developed in-house with an eye to hands-on interaction. These programs are complementedby a cadre of visiting artists who hold workshops with children. One of the rst things parents and teachers note when Maria Fleming, Theater Programmer at the Ark expressedchildren come to The Ark is the quality of engagement.gratitude for The Ireland Funds involvement over the years.It is not uncommon to see children who struggle in the It makes such a difference to have people alongside us likeclassroom develop newfound condence and concentra- The Ireland Funds. Projects like The Ark are for dreamerstion through creative activities at The Ark. Parents report and visionaries, for people who see beyond today and actu-that children who dont speak about what they are doing at ally believe in and commit to the future. That commitmentschool have come home and not been able to stop talking is so rare and we are grateful.about their visits.In June 2011, The Ark launched a three-year focus onmusic programs for schools and families. The most recentEVERYSINGLECHILD,REGARDLESSOFBACK\x1f grant from The Ireland Funds has supported this initiativeGROUND,INCOME,ORABILITY,HASARIGHTby funding a music program called Play, which was a TO A RICH CULTURAL LIFE, SAID EINA MCHUGH,series of hands-on workshops and concerts for children thatDIRECTOROFTHEARK.WEAREPASSIONATE were held with world-class musicians. The theater programABOUT WHAT ART CAN DO IN A CHILD'S LIFE. at The Ark continues to drive forward the next generationof new theater work for children and is additionally explor-Eina explained that while fun is an ever-present theme for ing performances that are geared to children with autism.children as they come through the doors, there are larger This is a difficult time for Ireland, said Maria. Webenets that come with it.Outside evaluators have shown have a unique culture here in Ireland and it really is ourus that children who are involved in our programs miss fewer strength. When we get funding from the diaspora it is suchdays at school. They have a higher level of well-being. Their a vote of condence. The Ireland Funds are known to manycommunications skills improve. A key quote from one of the people and the funding is a stamp of approval that wereports was, The Ark has proven that high-quality arts can deeply appreciate.make a transformative difference in communities.Galleryspaces,atheater,arooftopgarden,and The Ireland Funds were early supporters of The Ark interactivedigitalexhibitsareallpartofTheArk back before the doors even opened. In 1991, the Irishexperience. In addition to the content-rich programs forGovernment decided to establish Temple Bar as a cultural children, the organization advocates for arts educationquarter and a space geared toward children was explored. through symposiums, workshops, and initiatives that haveThe Ireland Funds identied The Ark as a project with great shown benets across Ireland. potential and provided early funding. Today, over 1,000 Theevaluationsshowtheorganizationsimpact artists,includingaward-winningauthors,poets,andand after 17 years, the methodology used is proven. But amusicians have partnered with The Ark to bring quality arts seven year old doesnt much care about these things. Allexperiences to children. The name The Ark was chosen that really matters to her is the joy of her hands in clay, anot only because it was a word that children found easy to jar of terric sea creatures, and an opportunity to have funsay, but also because it represented a voyage to someplace while learning. The Ireland Funds are proud to support Thenew and wonderful.Ark, where the children can begin a creative and culturaljourney that hopefully lasts a lifetime. connect2012 | 12"