Free screening of homelessness documentary in Kilkenny

There will be a free screening of Writing Home, a documentary about creative engagement developed by poet Colm Keegan for homeless service users.

The initiative was developed to improve understanding around issues of homelessness while supporting social integration and aims to inform policy decisions around the use of the arts within State funded services. The programme was supported by Kilkenny County Council, Creative Ireland and Poetry Ireland.

Colm worked with several service providers across the country, developing and delivering a programme of workshops to engage with homeless service users in Dublin, Kilkenny and Waterford with each location working towards a public celebration of the creativity of participants.

Colm worked with selected groups over a period of 6 weeks. These groups explored multiple means of written self-expression and reflection, like rap and spoken word as well as looking at structure, character and storytelling. Each participant created a small body of work, based on their own life experiences.

The process was far more successful than envisaged, with real engagement from homeless service users, a marginalised group who can be difficult to reach using established Arts project delivery. The creative potential unleashed and the wellbeing outcomes were such a revelation that the initiative was awarded Best Education/Training Initiative at the All Ireland Community & Council Awards (LAMAs).

This free screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Colm Keegan, Director of Housing Services in Kilkenny Mary Mulholland and representatives from local emergency service providers in Kilkenny.

Booking required through Eventbrite  https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/writing-home-documentary-screening-tickets-542700229997 

For more information visit www.colmkeeganpoetry.com.