Show runs from 21st June-17th August, Time: 11am-5.30pm Tues-Sat
Garter Lane Arts Centre, Front of House. O’Connell Street, Waterford, X91 DX57
These beautifully illustrated 8 page zine-style books are made with few words throughout to be accessible to people of all languages and to allow the reader to tell their own story based on what they see. Each of these A6 books fold out to reveal a hidden A3 poster on the back, some even have interactive elements like puzzles or have spaces to draw on.
These books tell stories about friendships, celebrating differences, journeys, equality, food, animals, fun characters and of course, being welcome! They are fun, exciting and emotional. There’s something for everyone in this series!
A book launch for the series was held on World Refugee Day 2024 (June 20th) at Garter Lane Arts Centre in Waterford, with the books and poster artwork on display. The books were also on sale at the launch with 50% of the proceeds being donated to MASI (Movement of Asylum Seekers Ireland). Members from local asylum seeker organisations & Waterford New Communities Network were invited & attended. Waterford Immigrant Network, Waterford Integration Service & our charity MASI were each gifted with a set of the books to take back & share with their communities. Another set of books was also donated to Garter Lane.
The aim of this project is to bring awareness and positivity during these times, to welcome refugees and asylum seekers to our country and to attract donations to the cause. These books will be sold in our online shop after the launch with 50% of the proceeds being donated to MASI.
Welcomings is also coming to SprÓg Children’s Festival from July 1-6th, and will continue to run after in Garter Lane until 17th August.
Project Managed by Chrissy Curtin