Sectarianism through Art: ‘Let’s bury the hatchet’

Caption: A group of young people from Co Fermanagh and Co Cavan took part in a 'sectarianism through art' project and produced a mural ‘Let’s bury the hatchet’ which illustrates their understanding and viewpoint on sectarianism. Half of the mural will be displayed at the Cavan VEC and the other half at Fermanagh Lakeland Youth Centre.

The Western Education and Library Board’s (WELB) Youth Service in partnership with Co Cavan VEC ‘Face Off’ Youth Project have been exploring the issue of sectarianism through art.

A group of eight young people from Co Cavan and a group of nine young people from Co Fermanagh have been working together to gain a better understanding of the issues of sectarianism and its impact upon them. This Peace III funded programme has allowed these 17 young people to build new relationships and learn about each other’s experiences of living in the North and South of Ireland.

Following several workshops, the young people produced a mural which illustrates their understanding and viewpoint on sectarianism, their message was simple ‘Lets bury the hatchet’. One young person described their experience: “I didn’t know what to expect but once we met I realised that everyone was really friendly and we’re actually not that different.”

The project ended with the group producing a very emotive piece of art; half of the mural will be displayed at the Cavan VEC and the other half at Fermanagh Lakeland Youth Centre.

Another phase of this cross-border project is due to commence shortly.  If any young person is interested in getting involved please contact Rachel Gilmore WELB Youth Worker 028 6632 6932 for more information.

Special thanks to the young people involved, Fern Casey, Rachel Kirkpatrick, Annette Woods, Nikita Eastham, Ashley Johnston, Ben Fallis, Lewis Beatty, Josh Beatty and Jason O’Brien.