National Gallery of Ireland launches Your Gallery at School

Call out for schools across the country to participate in new outreach programme 

Your Gallery at School, a new initiative by the National Gallery of Ireland opens for primary school applications today. Bringing art directly to schools across the country, this holistic outreach programme marks the extension of the Gallery’s partnership with global aircraft leasing company SMBC Aviation Capital. 

In 2021, the National Gallery of Ireland will work with six schools to create a tailored programme of activities. With a focus on learning through and about art, wellbeing and creative careers, Your Gallery at School will include individual practical workshops, sensory sessions, talks and Q&As for selected schools.

The Gallery is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent engagement with art in Ireland, and so Your Gallery at School will engage with children who may not usually be able to visit the Gallery or who may face barriers in accessing culture. Schools across Ireland can apply to participate in the programme. 

Sean Rainbird, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, commented: “The National Gallery of Ireland is delighted to grow its partnership with SMBC Aviation Capital with the launch of this exciting new initiative: Your Gallery at School. Creativity and innovation are transferrable and valuable skills for children. We hope that bringing art education to schools across the country in this dynamic new way will encourage curiosity and future learning amongst our participants.”

Peter Barrett, Chief Executive of SMBC Aviation Capital, added: “One of the key principles that has guided our business since its inception has been to make a long-term positive contribution to the communities in which we operate. We are proud therefore this year, our 20th in business, to continue and deepen our partnership with the National Gallery of Ireland.”

The primary school phase of Your Gallery at School will run in Spring and Summer 2021; the post-primary school phase will run in Autumn 2021. Primary applications are now open; post-primary applications will open in August 2021. Full details of how to apply are available on the Gallery's website.
 

Media contacts:
Kate O’Leary, National Gallery of Ireland, Mobile: +353 87 334 1587
Conor Irwin, SMBC Aviation Capital, Mobile: +353 87 3816106

Notes to Editor:

• Images are available on request. 
• Catherine O’Donnell (Education Officer, National Gallery of Ireland) is available for interview. 

About the National Gallery of Ireland:
The National Gallery of Ireland is one of the country’s most popular visitor attractions housing the nation’s collection of European and Irish art from about 1300 to the present day, and an extensive Library & Archive. Entry to the collection is free for all to enjoy, learn and be inspired.

About SMBC Aviation Capital:
Based in the IFSC in Dublin, Ireland, SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s leading aircraft operating lease companies. In operation since 2001, SMBC Aviation Capital has an owned and managed fleet, comprising 720 owned, managed and committed aircraft.  Established in 2001, the company was acquired in 2012 by a consortium comprising of two of Japan’s biggest companies SMFG and Sumitomo Corporation. SMBC Aviation Capital has a dedicated Corporate Social and Responsibility programme. For further information visit SMBC Aviation Capital website.