DCU Institute of Education awarded two Arts Council YPCE residencies
DCU and The Arts Council have announced that writer Dave Rudden and arts organisation The Ark have been selected as Young People, Children, and Education (YPCE) Artists in Residence at the DCU Institute of Education for the academic year 2024/'25.
These residencies are designed to support artists and arts organisations in spending a year in residence at higher education institutions that provide initial teacher education. Throughout his second year at DCU, Dave Rudden will build upon the work he delivered in '23/'24, offering creative support to DCU staff and students in initial teacher and early childhood education through writing and storytelling. The Ark, through their work with leading Irish and international artists, will curate specific opportunities and bespoke programmes for DCU IoE students of initial teacher and early childhood education.
Una McCabe, head of the School of Arts, Education and Movement, spoke about the impact of the programme:
It’s already evident that Dave is a wonderful addition to the work of the School of Arts Education and Movement and the IoE. His enthusiasm and rich background in storytelling and creative writing allow him to connect with a wide range of modules. We’re also really thrilled to welcome The Ark. This is an incredible opportunity to share resources, knowledge and experiences between artists, teaching staff and future teachers and early years educators, to advance a child’s right to access art and culture as part of their learning and development.
Marcella Bannon, Cultural Arts Officer at DCU, explained the benefits of the artist-in-residence programme:
For many years, we have experienced the huge benefits of having practising artists engage with DCU’s Institute of Education. These collaborations with our academics, along with mentoring opportunities and bespoke on-site programmes, have significantly developed skills and confidence among our students and future teachers. We are incredibly privileged and excited to welcome both Dave Rudden and The Ark, and we look forward to the possibilities that will emerge from these residencies.
About Dave Rudden
Dave Rudden is an accomplished author, performer, and creative writing teacher based in Dublin. He has delivered talks, bespoke workshops, and author events in numerous schools, universities, libraries, and festivals both nationally and internationally. As a Creative Fellow of UCD, Dave mentors students for organisations including Words Ireland and CBI’s Raising Voices, a national mentorship programme focusing on uplifting marginalised voices.
In his previous role as DCU Writer-in-Residence in 2022, Dave conducted workshops as part of the Write to Read programme and Fighting Words. He also offered open-day consultations for staff and students, a direct mentorship scheme, and large-scale talks for local schools.
About The Ark
The Ark is a dedicated cultural centre for children, founded in 1995. It has spent nearly 30 years providing top-quality, multidisciplinary arts programs for children. By engaging approximately 200 artists annually, The Ark inspires, commissions, and supports diverse creative experiences for young audiences. Believing in every child's right to discover and love art, The Ark's mission is to spark childhood imagination through great art, fostering lifelong cultural engagement inspired by Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Since 2021, The Ark has expanded its reach into four Dublin City libraries through creative hubs and collaborates with educators and organisations to enhance arts education and specific teacher focused CPD.
For more information on DCU's artist-in-residence programme, visit this webpage.