A bilingual symposium and bursary award scheme for arts practitioners of all disciplines who speak Irish, or who would like to explore its use in contemporary arts practice, takes place on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 October at the Axis arts centre in Ballymun.

The aim of Fás agus Forbairt (‘Growth and Development’) is to ‘explore, challenge and provoke notions of contemporary arts practice in Irish and to support artists in creating fresh, new, innovative ideas.’ It will explore contemporary work and potential collaborations, and aims to support these collaborations through the provision of development bursaries, mentorship and lab/rehearsal space, details of which will be announced at the symposium.The event is open to artists who speak Irish as well as those who have just a ‘cúpla focail’.

Fás agus Forbairt will feature presentations and workshops from a number of arts practitioners who are working in English, Irish and bilingually, as well as a session with arts programmers and presenters to discuss how artists and presenters can work together to develop new work and audiences.

For an attendance form, email Paula Melvin at borradh [dot] buan [at] axisballymun [dot] ie before 12 October. Fás agus Forbairt has been organised by Róise Goan (Dublin Fringe Festival), Niamh Ní Chonchubhair (Axis: Ballymun) and Cian O’ Brien (Project Arts Centre) and supported by the Arts Council and Foras na Gaeilge.

www.axis-ballymun.ie