Speaking at the launch of the Sticky Fingers Festival 2007 at Narrow Water Castle the Minister said: “Children are naturally inquisitive and their imaginations need to be fed. The work of Sticky Fingers builds opportunities introducing unique and exciting experiences for children to help their social development.
“It is natural for parents to want to give their children the best start in life. Our children are our future. They are precious and immensely engaging and are naturally inquisitive and imaginative. It is a pity we sometimes tend to suppress these natural instincts in adulthood.”
Congratulating Grainne Powell, Sticky Finger’s Artistic Director and her team on their hard work and vision the Minister said: “Through sharing experiences with similar organisations in Northern Italy Sticky Fingers have greatly benefited and are seeking to push back the boundaries here.
“In addition, the partnership with Stranmillis College to develop an Early Years Arts Module as part of the Childhood Studies Degree and MA Course is further tangible recognition of the work.”
The Minister concluded by wishing the organisers and everyone involved a successful Festival and an enjoyable week.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Sticky Fingers was founded in 2002 and is based in Newry. It is the only organisation of its kind in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is recognised nationally and internationally as one of the leading arts organisations which specifically caters for early years. Its strategy is to develop awareness / understanding of the important contribution the arts can have in an early years setting.
The Festival is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom and Ireland aimed at inspiring and enthusing young children by providing them with the chance to experience the colourful world of the arts through theatre, stories, touch, sound and dance.
This is an international event with theatre companies travelling from eight European Countries to the greater Newry and Mourne area to participate in a programme of events.
Media enquiries to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel: (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk
