Cultural Inclusion: Spotlight on Traveller Culture

Social Inclusion Week 2007, which runs from the 19^th 23^rd of November December, features a spotlight programme from Traveller communities in South Dublin County.

The programme captures contemporary visions of Traveller people today using photography and film to document family, sporting, work, skills, as well as cultural and social activities.

Invited specially to perform in the 2007 programme is Michael Collins and his powerful drama Its a cultural thing.or is it? A traveller in progress. This is the story of one communitys struggle and a re-emergence of a new Traveller identity in contemporary Ireland.

Preserving traditional skills is the purpose of the workshop programme which will begin during Social Inclusion week. Well known craftsman John Donoghue leads a six week series of workshops in copper bucket making.

This spotlight programme aims to raise awareness of cultural diversity in South Dublin County.

Social Inclusion Week is a programme of events and activities to highlight and promote social inclusion and anti-poverty work in South Dublin County by South Dublin County Council Social Inclusion Network.

The spotlight programme is presented by the Social Inclusion, Sports and Arts units of South Dublin County Council. It has been made possible by the support of the Irish Traveller Movement, St. Basils Education Centre, Tallaght Traveller Youth Service, Clondalkin and Tallaght Traveller Community Development Groups, and the Carline Centre.

For further information contact Orla Scannell, Alison Casserly and Maria Finn, Community Services Department, South Dublin County Council at 01 4149270 or log into the website at http://communityservices.southdublin.ie