Kids' Own

05/06/2026

🌿 This World Environment Day, we're delighted to share that A Year in Our Garden is now available to read online for free!

Created in partnership with Cranmore Community Co-Op, this beautiful publication brings together children, artists, gardeners, environmentalists, and community members in a year-long exploration of nature, creativity, and the changing seasons.

Since its release, the printed edition has completely sold out. We're very happy to now make the book available online so that more readers, educators, families, and community groups can enjoy it.

Filled with creative activities, recipes, reflections, conversations, and practical ideas inspired by the natural world, A Year in Our Garden invites readers of all ages to slow down, observe their surroundings, and connect with nature through creativity and curiosity.

Whether you're looking for outdoor learning ideas, nature-inspired art activities, or inspiration for sustainable living, there's something here for everyone.

📖 Read the book online here: https://kidsown.ie/a-year-in-our-garden-now-available-online/

04/06/2026

📣 Call Out: Seeking Creative Practitioners for Kids’ Own Artist Panel

Kids’ Own is inviting expressions of interest from artists, writers, illustrators, musicians, performers, and creative practitioners interested in collaborative arts practice with children and young people.

This paid opportunity will help shape a panel of practitioners for projects taking place across the island of Ireland over the next three years.

We welcome applications from practitioners at all career stages. Mentoring and support will be available for early-career artists and those new to collaborative practice with children and young people.

Kids’ Own works nationally across schools, communities, libraries, early years settings, and cultural spaces, creating ambitious projects that place children’s voices, creativity, and agency at the centre.

Follow the link for full details, eligibility criteria, artist rates, and to apply. https://kidsown.ie/call-out-artists-creative-practitioners-panel-kids-own/

⏰ Submission deadline: Monday 29 June 2026

02/06/2026

Kids’ Own is delighted to announce our next new project as part of the Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity Programme, officially launched at the National Museum of Ireland earlier this month.

Working in partnership with Leitrim Traveller Project, this new Arts in Early Years programme will take place at Shannonside Childcare, Carrick-On-Shannon. Artists Francesca Hutchinson and Maree Hensey will work with ECCE age children exploring art making and visual culture, with the project culminating in an intergenerational family sharing day.

The project will also support the mentoring of a Traveller visual artist in the area of Arts in Early Learning and Care settings.

It was inspiring to attend the launch alongside fellow funded organisations and to hear about the incredible work taking place across the country in support of Traveller wellbeing, creativity, and community. We look forward to beginning the project in September 2026.

Read all about it on our website : https://kidsown.ie/traveller-wellbeing-through-creativity-programme/

The Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity Programme is a partnership between the Health Service Executive (HSE), the The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Healthy Ireland under the governance of the National Creative Arts and Health Steering Group.

29/05/2026

Last week Kids’ Own attended The Wheel Summit 2026 at The Helix, DCU, joining organisations from across Ireland working across the community and voluntary sector.

The conversations throughout the day centred around solidarity, collaboration and the importance of communities working together in the face of growing division and inequality.

One of the highlights for us was hearing Damien Quinn from speak so openly and powerfully about lived experience, second chances and creating
meaningful change through community action. His presentation brought to mind our publication Keep Up Hope, created in collaboration with the Irish Penal Reform Trust.
It was an inspiring and thought-provoking day that reminded us of the importance of connection, conversation and collective action.

Read more on our website. https://kidsown.ie/kids-own-reflections-from-the-wheel-summit-2026/

28/05/2026

Please nominate Kids’ Own for the AIB Community Fund!

We would be so grateful for your support. Funding like this helps us continue creating meaningful arts projects with children and young people across Ireland, publishing children’s artwork and writing, and making space for children’s voices and creativity to be seen and heard.

Link to vote: https://aib.ie/personal-forms/community-fund OR scan the QR code

If you would like to nominate us, please don’t forget to use our charity number: 20082109

Thank you so much to everyone who supports our work, it really means a lot to us.

26/05/2026

The Arts in Education Portal Portal Spring Regional Day brought together artists, teachers and creative practitioners for a day of inspiring presentations, creative exchange and hands-on workshops at the The Grange Theatre in Monaghan.

From collaborative school projects to drumming and circus workshops, the day highlighted the many ways creativity can support learning and connection in educational settings.

As managers of the Arts in Education Portal on behalf of the Portal Editorial Committee, Kids’ Own was delighted to coordinate the event.

Read the full roundup, including presentations and videos here: https://artsineducation.ie/en/2026/05/12/roundup-of-our-2026-arts-in-education-portal-spring-regional-day/

Images: Éilís Murphy

19/05/2026

We’re delighted and proud to share that I Jumped So High has won Gold at the Irish Print Awards in the category of Print & Design Collaboration.

Created by Kids’ Own in collaboration with Aoibhneas Domestic Abuse Support wand printed by W&G Baird the award recognises the care, creativity, and collaboration behind this very special publication.

It feels especially meaningful to celebrate this achievement just as the book has officially launched. I Jumped So High was created by children who previously stayed in refuge accommodation, bringing together their artwork, writing, and reflections to support other children who may have similar experiences in the future.

A huge congratulations to everyone involved, including graphic designer Martin Corr, whose thoughtful design work helped shape and hold the children’s voices so beautifully on the page.

Follow the link to read more about this wonderful book and its design. https://kidsown.ie/kids-own-and-wg-baird-win-gold-at-irish-print-awards/

18/05/2026

Last Friday we celebrated the launch of I Jumped So High in Dublin, and it truly was a special day! ☺

Created in partnership with Aoibhneas Domestic Abuse Support the book was developed by children who had previously been a resident in refuge accommodation. Through artwork and writing, the children share experiences, thoughts, and messages of reassurance for other young people who may stay there in the future.

The launch brought together children, mothers, families, and everyone involved in the project for an emotional and uplifting celebration filled with pride, laughter, and connection.

We’re delighted to share that I Jumped So High is now available to buy from the Kids’ Own website.
Read more about the launch through the link below.

https://kidsown.ie/i-jumped-so-high-launched-in-dublin/

16/05/2026

We’re hiring! 🎨

Kids’ Own is looking for an organised, proactive Office & Operations Administrator to join our Sligo-based team.

📍 Sligo town
⏰ 14 hrs/week | 9-month fixed term (June 2026 – March 2027)

Deadline: 5pm, Friday 22 May 2026

Full details and how to apply 👇

https://kidsown.ie/job-opportunity-kids-own-office-operations-administrator-fixed-term/

16/05/2026

We’re hiring! 🎨

Kids’ Own is looking for an organised, proactive Office & Operations Administrator to join our Sligo-based team.

📍 Sligo town

⏰ 14 hrs/week | 9-month fixed term (June 2026 – March 2027)

Deadline: 5pm, Friday 22 May 2026
Full details and how to apply 👇

https://kidsown.ie/job-opportunity-kids-own-office-operations-administrator-fixed-term/

Kids’ Own has an exciting opportunity for a proactive individual to join our dynamic team as an Office & Operations Administrator on a fixed-term basis.