Project coordinator appointed to lead next phase of Creative Places Ballaghaderreen
CREATIVE Places Ballaghaderreen has announced the appointment of Joanna Hopkins as project coordinator, marking the next step in the town’s Creative Places journey.
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen, funded by The Arts Council and Roscommon County Council, brings long-term arts investment to a rural town in transition - celebrating local creativity, welcoming new communities, and supporting people to shape the future of Ballaghaderreen together.
Over the past year, artist researchers Anna King, Julie Sharkey and Nollaig Molloy, working closely with Mary Smyth of Roscommon Arts Office and a local steering group, led a research programme that mapped what’s already happening in the town, tested creative projects such as Placeways, The Cut on the River Lung, and the 3-of-Arts Artist Collaboration commission, and listened to local people about what they want to see next. Their work laid strong foundations for a new three-year programme of arts and community activity.
The programme is guided by a local steering committee made up of representatives, including Ballaghaderreen Community Art Group and local artists group, Brothers of Charity, Foróige, GRETB/education partners, Ballaghaderreen Town Team, Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre, Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival and Edmondstown House, Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Roscommon County Council (Arts, Housing, Heritage, Libraries, Community), and other local youth and community organisations and agencies working in the area. Together, they are working to ensure that the arts are central to rural development and community life in Ballaghaderreen.
Over the next three years, Creative Places Ballaghaderreen will:
● Appoint a three-year artist-researcher to continue long-term, embedded work with community groups
● Keep artists centre to the delivery through artist residencies in various organisations and communities
● Develop a youth pillar with young people, schools, and youth organisations to co-design arts activity and signpost creative career pathways
● Support a growing network of local artists, including mentoring and collaborations
● Connect with wider rural development initiatives such as housing regeneration and the emerging An Bealach innovation hub, ensuring creativity is part of how the town plans its future
● Link and support existing cultural strengths
Following the national launch, Rhona McGrath, arts officer, commented: “Roscommon County Council, together with the steering group and other project stakeholders, is looking forward to shaping lasting and strategic arts activity with local voices at the core.
“Over the next three years, Creative Places will help us strengthen creative collaboration in many communities and organisations in Ballaghaderreen.”
New project coordinator Joanna Hopkins is an award-winning visual artist and arts project leader from Mayo with over 15 years’ experience in socially engaged practice, public art and community-led projects across Ireland.
Speaking about her appointment, Joanna said: “I’m excited to work alongside local residents, artists, community groups and agencies to build projects that are rooted in the town, and to explore new ways of gathering, making and celebrating together.”
Community groups, schools, youth projects, local artists and residents of all ages are warmly invited to get involved, share ideas and hear more about upcoming opportunities.
Find out more and stay in touch:
Website: Creative Places Ballaghaderreen (via Roscommon County Council Arts Office)
Facebook: Creative Places Ballaghaderreen
Instagram: @creative_placesballaghaderreen