Fermanagh arts representatives recognised with awards in memory of Sir Ken Robinson

Noelle McAlinden, and St. Aidan’s High School, Derrylin are among the 11 inspirational individuals and groups recognised in the awards, which were announced by the Nerve Centre, Londonderry at a virtual awards ceremony hosted on their Facebook and YouTube channels on Friday, March 5.

Sir Ken Robinson led national and international projects on creative and cultural education across the world, unlocking and igniting the creative energy of many people and organisations, including pioneering work in Northern Ireland.

Sir Ken passed away in 2020, and the Unlocking Creativity Awards were set up to support inspirational individuals, organisations and schools who are empowering others through creative learning.

The awards are funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen.

Noelle, an arts educationalist, artist, adviser, curator of exhibitions, festivals, cultural, educational and wellbeing programmes, and an arts activist for almost 39 years, received one of the individual awards.

She said: “I am very honoured and privileged to be nominated and receive this Unlocking Creativity Sir Ken Robinson Individual Award for my contribution to creativity, education, arts and culture as an educationalist, artist, curator and arts activist.

“Sir Ken’s vision as a global leader in education and his legacy has been a significant influence on my professional and personal life, and so many others.

“I have been privileged to have worked with him, thanks to Dr. Aideen McGinley, former Permanent Secretary for Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, who led the Unlocking Creativity Strategy across four government departments in Northern Ireland.

“Sir Ken led and informed this significant strategy,” added Noelle.

‘Even more relevant now’

She commented on how Sir Ken’s legacy is “even more relevant now” in supporting an inclusive and engaging education system, a culture of creativity, compassion and collaboration for children and young people.

“Educators in the broadest sense, [and] communities, creatives and artists have a huge role to play, where no child is left behind.

“I am indebted to the Nerve Centre and the Robinson family and [I’m] looking forward to using this award to invest in my own creativity and supporting others to do the same across education, community and in continuing the Unlocking Creativity Agenda,” said Noelle.

St. Aidan’s High School was one of two schools presented with the schools award. The school will use the award to purchase new camera equipment and run photography and filmmaking classes for students.

Mary Mooney, Head of Art and Design at St. Aidan’s, was delighted to accept the award on the school’s behalf.

She said: “The Principal and staff of St. Aidan’s value the creative mind, the importance of imagination and how unlocking the creativity of children will reveal many opportunities in their life.”

She noted how the classroom is a centre for “sharing ideas, being creative, revealing possibilities and opening up a focus for the human mind”, adding: “Sir Ken Robinson continues to inspire children and adults every day.

“His understanding of how and what to teach, to be expressive and creative, has impressed many people all over the world regardless of their nationality, culture or ability.

“I am also delighted to live in a community that has a wealth of cultural understanding and a deep appreciation of the arts in all its forms,” she said, going on to thank the family of Sir Ken, the Nerve Centre, and her many friends in the world of creative arts.

The Principal of St. Aidan’s, Pat McTeggart, congratulated Mary on winning the prestigious award.

He said: “This award is a recognition and affirmation not only for the work that Mary does in school, but also in the wider community.

“Mary has inspired many of our young people to be creative and innovative through her exceptional teaching, and she continues to develop and sustain a learning environment which nurtures all our pupils irrespective of their ability.

“She deserves this award, and we as a school community are delighted and proud of her.”