Where everyone has a place: Leitrim's Bright Sparks recognised for its work

An initiative that began almost 10 years ago in Leitrim with a pilot project with the goal of making the arts accessible to all has been shortlisted for a Local Government award by Chambers Ireland.

The Bright Sparks project, part of Leitrim Youth Arts which is under Leitrim County Council, has been shortlisted in the diversity and inclusion category.

Bright Sparks is designed for young people who need to learn at their own pace, who may struggle with anxiety or be neurodivergent and offers a space for young people to truly be themselves while gaining theatre experience.

Maura Williamson, facilitator of Bright Sparks described Bright Sparks as “a wonderful story,” and a wonderful story it is. What started as a pilot project in Carrigallen has turned into two groups taking part in theatre workshops, working on confidence and connections.

“It allowed these young people to work at their own pace, giving them the same professional experience but allowing their voice to come forward in the work,” said Maura. Some people then progressed out of Bright Sparks and were able to go back into the main performance group.

She spoke of how in the main theatre group, some people stopped showing up due to being unable to keep up and maybe their own anxieties, and this didn’t sit right with her, wanting everyone to be able to get involved at their own pace.

“That’s where the pilot project came out to accommodate them. It was my insight to not let these young people disappear when we should be holding onto them,” she said.

After Covid lockdown, they moved to The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon and Bright Sparks has grown year on year. There are now two groups - Bright Sparks Ignite and Bright Sparks Flame.

Bright Sparks Ignite caters to neurodiverse young people. “It gives them a safe space to be creative, connect to themselves and realise that their fantastic imaginations and creativity can freeflow into what can be a story or performance,” said Maura, adding that the participants work do much of the work including writing their own scripts.

Bright Sparks Flame, consists of young people with Down Syndrome performing together and also working on their own stories and performance pieces. “It’s been a very successful group also. It’s been a very amazing journey in the sense of connecting on a social outlet, how it helps with their speech and confidence,” added Maura.

The difference Maura sees in the young people that take part across the two groups is something that is very special to her. “They’re amazing young people to be around the theatre. You’d see minor behaviours or tics dissolve and that they find themselves in a beautiful way,” she said.

The operation is facilitated by Maura and two assistants, and is supported by Leitrim County Council, Creative Ireland and The Dock. “I have brilliant assistants on the floor - the expertise, skill and patience, and everything that goes with it,” explained Maura.

The variety of people that take part in Bright Sparks is huge, from people with learning difficulties, to people who struggle with anxiety, to people who struggle with socialising, struggling with school - everyone is accepted and finds a space to belong in Bright Sparks.

With Bright Sparks, it is not about the performance or the actor, but the taking part and the development in people’s character, skills and confidence. “The joy and the satisfaction is in seeing them grow, develop and believe in themselves and allowing that uniqueness to just be and not suppressing it in any way. It’s 100 per cent acceptable within that space,” shared Maura. “There’s so much confusion among young people regarding identity and gender, and I think they feel space to just be whatever is going on with them. It’s a safe space that’s very well managed.”On being nominated for the Local Government Award, Maura described it as “fantastic.” The group were runners up in the IPB Pride of Place Awards last year and it meant so much to the team and participants. “It’s fantastic for them. The joy of bringing in the trophy to them, the celebration,” she said. “It’s also great for The Dock and the Arts and the people who are putting their funding into this because it can’t happen without that.

“That’s key and it’s huge to be nominated and the recognition of that unique way of working within the arts. It’s all about bringing the arts to those who might struggle to connect with it,” she said. “I’m delighted for the nomination. I’m sure it will be a wonderful evening and there’ll be a celebration regardless.”

For Maura, however, the recognition is about much more than an award. It is about celebrating a project that has created a space where young people can feel accepted, build confidence and discover what they are capable of, all while being free to express themselves in their own way.

Almost 10 years on from that first pilot project in Carrigallen, Bright Sparks continues to show what can happen when everyone is given the opportunity to take part, belong and have their voice heard.

Bright Sparks new term is due to begin on September 24 for a 10 week block and there will be another 10 week block in January. While Bright Sparks Flame is full, Bright Sparks Ignite still has space for a few places.

Enquiries for Bright Sparks can be made through the Leitrim Youth Arts, with more information on leitrimyoutharts.com/bright-sparks