Changing Ireland, Changing Stories - Fighting Words and the National Museum of Ireland

A Crolly Doll, made in Co. Mayo, late 1950s/early 1960s

Changing Ireland, Changing Stories - Creative Writing with Fighting Words and the National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts and History

Three groups brought together to create new work inspired by the exhibition due to open in 2025

Fighting Words and the National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks came together to offer a series of creative writing workshops to a number of groups, inspired by the upcoming 20th & 21st century history exhibition opening in early 2025 called Changing Ireland.

The exhibition includes objects such as toys, china, electrical goods, publications, clothes and even vintage Sudocrem!

The project was managed by Sara Bennett, Operations Manager, Niamh Keating Assistant Education & Outreach Officer, together with a team of facilitators and mentors from Fighting Words and the curatorial team from the museum.

Touring the museum with Sheila

Working together to write!

Group 1 - Young People from the Irish Refugee Council

The first group was young people from the Irish Refugee Council.

Over four weeks, with facilitator Hazel Hogan and the team, the group toured the museum with tour guide Sheila, wrote a group story inspired by images from the exhibition, met the curators involved in the exhibition and wrote new and tremendously affecting poems about their experience.

In the Education Resource Room with Fatima United

Group Two - Fatima United

The second group were older people from the Fatima Groups United Community Centre in the Liberties.

Over four weeks, with facilitator John Grogan and the team, the group shared memories and experiences inspired by the tour, the exhibits and the photos. The stories produced were at turns very personal, very touching and at times very funny!

In the Museum Stores with the group of Ukrainian adults from SICCDA

Group 3 - Ukrainian Adults from SICCDA

The final group were adults from Ukraine involved with SICCDA (South Inner City Community Development Authority).

Over four weeks, with facilitator Hugh McElveen and the team, the group created a group story, and hugely enjoyed learning the true stories of the exhibits and the photos. The stories and poems written were touching and inspiring.

Next Steps - Celebration and Recording!

The groups are coming together for a celebration event on Friday, 31 May at the National Museum of Ireland.

Stay tuned for a podcast episode of the stories that you won't want to miss!

Fighting Words and the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History - are grateful to Léargas for support of this project