Funders and Partners

Interreg III | Border Action | Partners

Interreg IIIA – Cross Border Traditional Arts & Training Initiative | Back to top

Interreg EU Interreg EU

The Shaylyn Group Ltd. Project has been granted €221,940 part financed by the European Union trhough the Interreg IIIA Programme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the ICBAN Partnership.

The Cross Border Traditional Arts & Training Initiative funded by Interreg is bringing high level training opportunities in Irish Dance and Music to the region in association with the Irish World Music and Dance Centre, University College Limerick. The courses at Diploma level will be the first part time training options in Irish Music and Dance at this level in Ireland.

Potential students and tutors interested in applying for a place on these courses should contact the centre for details. Applications are made to the Irish World Music & Dance Centre through the Shaylyn Centre. Successful applicants will be called for interview and audition by faculty members of UL. For details on the application process contact the centre.

These courses represent a fantastic opportunity for dancers and musicians in the region to have access to high level training currently only available on a full time basis in Limerick.

Note: We regret the third level programme from UL is not yet finalised however we anticipate further development and a postive update on the status of the programme this Autumn 2008 so keep an eye on the site for further details coming soon.

Peace & Reconcilliation - Cross Border Culture & Dance Initiative | Back to top

Border Action Peace

The Cross Border Culture & Dance Initiative has been granted 185,916 and is part financed by the European Union through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by Border Action.

Through a dedicated training course and the development of a mini production this project is exploring Irish and Ulster Scots/Scottish Country Dance together for the first time. The course is open to Protestants and Catholics and allows participants to specialise in their own dance tradition while learning a little of the other tradition. The course will also feature modules in peace & reconciliation plus history of Irish and Ulster Scots/Scottish Country/Highland Dance and will culminate in the development of a production for a cross border/cross community performance tour. The aim of this course is to use the performing arts as a means of encouraging individuals including the most disadvantaged in our society, North and South of the border, to embrace and explore their culture and that of the other main community of Ireland. Anyone interested in tutoring or participating on this course should contact the centre for more details.

This project will:

  • Recruit 40 participants from marginalized groups on both sides of the border, provide training to enable them to participate in a performance which will then tour N.I. and the border counties.
  • Engage with 40 participants over a 24 month period in the performing arts with the over-riding principle of peace & reconciliation
  • Develop two new dance routines influenced by both traditional Irish and Ulster Scots/Scottish Country Dance
  • Provide employment for 10 performing artists through the delivery of training and supervision on the project
  • Establish an annual cross border arts festival

Course Details

The course is open to anyone living in the border counties region at least 15 years of age. Those interested in the Scottish Country Dance need have no prior experience while those primarily interested in the Irish Dance must have some experience. This is to reflect the different stages of development of the two dance styles. There is no charge for this course. There is no upper age limit for this course. To apply contact the centre directly.

Note: This project will close in August 2008 however a new project funded by the International Fund for Ireland will contine where this project leaves off allowing us to continue to work for greater cross border and cultural development in our local communities. More details soon.

Partners | Back to top

The Centre and associated projects have been developed by Shaylyn Ltd in association with our partners:

  • The Irish World Music & Dance Centre
    • The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance is a centre of academic and performance excellence housed at the University of Limerick, Ireland.
  • Arigna Leader
    • Arigna Catchment Area Community Company or Arigna LEADER Company, as it is has become known, was set up in 1991 in order to initiate a community-led response to the problems of rural decline and depopulation in its catchment area following the devastation caused by the closure of the Arigna coal mines.
  • Glens of Antrim Comhaltas
    • The Glens of Antrim Comhaltas branch is based in Cushendall and promotes the playing of traditional instrumental music by all age groups in the local community. The branch is affiliated to the Antrim County Board, the Ulster Council of CCE and the national organisation which is based in Dublin.
  • Blathanna, An Gaelaras
    • Bláthanna is an Irish language arts project located in the gaeltacht quarter of Derry….. the cultural heartland of the city - a treasure house of all that is best in heritage and culture.
  • Maguires Bridge Scottish Country Dance Association
    • Led by Christine Rusk, the Fermanagh group meets every Tuesday night