Transition Year Programme

Longford Arts Transition Year Programme

County Longford Arts Service provide a community arts experience for Transition Year Students in County Longford. This opportunity is open to a limited number of transition year students (or similar aged Home-Schooled Youth) in County Longford with an interest in Art making, Acting and performance.

This experience gives TY students an opportunity to volunteer in a community arts setting. For many young people this will be their first experience of volunteering and active citizenship.  These opportunities may appeal to young people with a creative interest, who are curious to try new experiences and interested in working with professional artists and community groups.

Dead of Night Festival

The Dead of night festival is a street spectacle parade that occurs in Longford Town on Halloween night. Local artists spend many months of planning and preparation to develop this premiere spectacle event. Students will get a chance to work with artists to become performers and float-pushers in the parade.  Preparation for this programme takes place between 13-31 October and involves a time commitment of approximately 0 15 hours over 4 sessions. Participating students will with choreographers and the production team and participate in the parade as:

  • Parade performers
  • Stilt walkers
  • Stilt walker spotters
  • Float operators

 

Longford Lights Festival

The Longford Lights festival (19-22nd Feb 2026) is an outdoor art exhibition of illuminated artwork and performances. There is a lot of community engagement in the making of the artworks. Students participating in this experience will get an opportunity to work with professional artists and community groups, in making artworks and lanterns and puppets for the festival. There will also be an opportunity to participate in the festival as puppeteers and festival stewards. Preparation for this event takes place 19th Jan – 22nd Feb and involves a time commitment of approximately 22 hours over 6 sessions Skills learned include:

  • Mime and movement skills
  • Sculpting and puppetry
  • Working with professional artists

 

Apply for the Longford Arts Transition Year Programme

To apply for the TY Community Arts Experience CLICK HERE

Each of the art forms are limited to 15 places. No prior experience in any artform is necessary in order to secure a place.

The ideal participant is a young person who is curious, brave, kind and willing to try something new. It is important that you demonstrate this in your application.

Closes for applications on Thursday, 25 September at 5pm. 

 

Assessment and Acceptance Criteria

Places will be allocated on the following basis:

  • Applicants who have completed application in full.
  • Applicants who have clearly demonstrated that they have an interest, passion and commitment to participating in the programmes.
  • Successful applicants will be informed Friday, 26th September by email.
  • Applicants will have until Thursday, 2 October to accept placement offer.
  • Applicants accepting place must make their own arrangements with the school they are attending regarding their absence for the programme duration.
  • Parents and guardians will be invited to attend an information session prior to programme and will be required to sign a programme consent form.

A waiting list will be complied in case awarded places are not taken prior to programme.

Further information

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Child Safeguarding Statement: Longford County Council has a corporate duty and responsibility to safeguard the children accessing Council services and activities. For further information, see our  Child Safeguarding Statement.