Wexford is set to shine this January as the annual First Fortnight Festival, a celebration of mental health, arts, and culture, brings an innovative light painting experience to the county. The event, produced by creative director Laura Larkin in collaboration with Creative Places Enniscorthy, aims to challenge mental health stigma through artistic expression.
The First Fortnight Festival is renowned across Ireland for using the arts as a “powerful, cathartic catalyst” to spark open conversations about mental health. This year, the festival’s expansion into Wexford has been made possible through co-funding from Creative Places Enniscorthy, enabling a striking projection feature as part of the event.
Light Painting Workshops to Inspire Creativity
At the heart of the festival is an interactive light painting workshop, which uses long-exposure photography to capture patterns and symbols created with light sources. Participants can experiment with light to produce vibrant, dynamic images, expressing their creativity through movement.
The workshops, led by professional photographer Louise Scally, will provide participants with the skills to produce their own light art pieces. These sessions are scheduled for:
- FDYS Coolcotts: Saturday, January 9, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- FDYS Enniscorthy: Friday, January 10, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Community Showcase to Light Up Wexford
The artwork created during the workshops will be displayed in a public light installation, transforming the Templeshannon Community Centre wall into a glowing gallery. The projection will run:
Saturday, January 11, and Sunday, January 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This visual display aims to uplift the community, bringing color and inspiration to Wexford’s winter nights.
Empowering Young Artists Through Expression
The festival places a strong focus on celebrating young people as artists, providing them with a creative outlet to explore photography and performance art. It also seeks to promote positive mental health through play and artistic expression, fostering conversations around well-being.
Laura Larkin emphasized the importance of combining art and mental health awareness, noting that events like these empower participants to express themselves while encouraging community engagement and connection.
A Festival with Impact
The First Fortnight Festival continues to demonstrate how the arts can break down barriers surrounding mental health. By offering a platform for creativity and self-expression, the festival inspires participants to explore their mental well-being in an open and supportive environment.
Organizers hope the event will not only brighten up Wexford’s winter evenings but also leave a lasting impression by encouraging more conversations about mental health and creativity.
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