Benchspace is offering free workshops to 200 people from disadvantaged backgrounds

Are you curious about starting a creative career?
A brilliant new local initiative could provide you with all the information and training you need to get going, even if you’ve never had the resources or support to do so before.
Benchspace, Ireland’s first shared-access Woodwork Workshop on the Centre Park Road, will engage 200 participants from marginalised and economically disadvantaged communities in a structured programme of hands-on artistic practice and creative design skills development, starting later this month.
With three staggered phases, the three-year Rising Sparks programme aims to support the transition of individuals from these communities into long-term artistic and creative livelihoods.
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The initial phase, EXPLORE, will see 200 participants explore a diverse range of disciplines through introductory single-day workshops over 18 months. Five of these creatives will be offered year-long support to discover and nurture their talents before showing their ability to the wider community at a special Rising Sparks Exhibition.
The first classes are taking place on October 23rd, November 12th and December 3rd, 2021 and individuals and organisations can sign up here.