Pupils from St John’s National School in Kilkenny will mark Cruinniú na nÓg with Trickster, the children’s theatre group with a special live performance at the Butler Gallery tomorrow afternoon.
Cruinniú na nÓg is the national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18 and is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan.
In collaboration with the Butler Gallery and children’s theatre group Trickster, the pupils will stage a live public performance titled ‘Gather To Welcome The Guardian, (2pm), an exhibition (12pm to 4pm) with workshops being held in the gallery’s Learning Centre throughout the day.
According to the Butler Gallery preview: “Over the past weeks (the pupils) have been doing something quietly ancient: listening to where they are. Through storytelling, making and collective imagination, they’ve uncovered the resident Guardian of their place, a protective presence that could only have come from here, shaped by the hands, voices, and wild ideas of the people who know it best. That Guardian has come to life and carrying a story to share with all those who are willing to Listen. It will be making a very special appearance at Butler Gallery for Cruinniú na nÓg.”
“Over the last number of weeks, Trickster has been working with the children to develop characters and storylines, all of which will culminate tomorrow afternoon,” said Jean Mann, the Learning and Public Engagement Curator at the Butler Gallery.
“It’s going to be a live promenade performance here, on site in the gallery and we’re really looking forward to it. We’re delighted to be working with St John’s on this project, along with Trickster, and it’s been lovely to have the pupils in here, and to have their voices filling the gallery space.”
Jean spoke to KCLR News about tomorrow’s festivities.
You can find out more about tomorrow’s event here: Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 – Butler Gallery
