Schools
We have a wide range of activities and events for Primary and Secondary Schools, in the both the Galleries and Theatre - and we are always open for suggestions from Schools about activities you would like to see in our programme!
VISUAL Transition Year Work Experience Programme
Tuesday 13th to Friday 16th November 2018
VISUAL receive a large number of applicants each year to ask for a Transition Year work experience placement. With this in mind VISUAL will run a work experience week for 6 to 8 TY students from Tuesday 13th to Friday 16th November after a very successful pilot programme in 2017.
Successful students receive an introduction to the administration of the whole building, including box office, gallery, theatre, the technical, administration and creative sides. They work on projects, learn to be tour guides and oversee the building (with supervision) on Friday 16th as part of TakeOver Day, an English initiative to bring kids into museums. The hours are 10am to 4pm including late evening attendance at theatre events.
Applications for the Transition Year Week are encouraged from May up until 5pm Friday 21st September to engagement@visualcarlow.ie. Please enclose a cv including any work experience, volunteer work or relevant experience, along with a letter outlining why you wish to attend the VISUAL work experience week.
The selection process starts in early October and successful candidates are notified the week beginning Tuesday 9th October. No applications after 21st September will be accepted.
Primary Schools Gallery Tours and Workshops
Young art explorers can experience a guided tour around the galleries and the opportunity to take part in an art workshop and create a piece of artwork to take home. The length of these sessions is 90 minutes and cost just between €3 and €5 per student. We are always happy to tailor tours and workshops for schools to meet your group's needs. Contact Box Office (059) 917 2400 for further details or to enquire about a date.
If you would like to become a partnered school with VISUAL please contact us here.
In-depth Explorations for Senior Cycle
Intensive two-hour workshop for senior cycle art classes, exploring new approaches to the leaving cert galleries question. Workshops aim to give students a new understanding and perspective, using experiential learning in the galleries to make the question – and answer – come alive. Dates can be arranged in conjunction with the school group and around school timetables. These two hour workshops offer students a unique and enjoyable gallery experience while acknowledging the criteria of the senior cycle art curriculum. Contact Box Office (059) 917 2400 for further details or to enquire about a date.
Theatre for schools
Each year, we have specific theatre events geared for schools audiences. At Primary level, these are fun and interactive theatre productions designed to stimulate imagination. At Second Level, they are generally to support the curriculum, mainly in the subjects of Irish, English, French and German. Check out our upcoming film and theatre events for schools here and if you would like to be added to our mailing list for Teachers, please contact our Box Office here and tell us what subject areas you are most interested in.
Theatre Rental
We offer a special schools rate for rental of our 335-seat theatre space. It includes 8 hours of technical support for get-in/get-out, professional box office services and marketing for your event, and is priced to be supportive of fundraising initiatives. The experience of performing in a professional theatre space is also a fantastic way of building confidence in young people. If you would like further info, email our Theatre Programme Co-ordinator here.