Cork County Council Launches Frameworks Schools Programme Bringing the County Art Collection into Classrooms

Cork County Council’s Arts and Library Service is inviting primary schools across the county to apply for ‘Frameworks’ a unique classroom-based education programme that offers students the chance to engage with the Cork County art collection.

Through the programme, four primary schools will be selected to become temporary custodians of artworks from the Council’s civic collection and will take part in a creative learning experience led by a professional artist. The initiative offers students a chance to interact with original works of art, explore diverse artistic media, and co-create new works in response.

Cork County Council’s visual art collection features pieces across painting, drawing, print, photography, video, and small-scale sculpture by both emerging and established artists—many of whom are based in Cork. Through ‘Frameworks’ pupils will be introduced to these artworks and by taking part in guided workshops, will respond by creating a collaborative piece with the artist-in-residence.

The programme will culminate in a school showcase event, where both the borrowed artworks and the students’ creative responses will be displayed for families and the wider school community to enjoy. Funded by Creative Ireland, the ‘Frameworks’ programme will be delivered free of charge to participating schools.

Applications are now open, and schools interested in taking part are encouraged to contact creative.Ireland@corkcoco.ie before the closing date for applications on Thursday the 30th of May 2025 at 3:00pm.