Phenomenal community response in Tipperary to 100 Dogs Project for summer festival

Sparky, Taco Bell, Rodney, Scooby Doo, Charlie, Dellie, Texas and Jack…just some of the names given to the dogs created during the first week of artist Tom Campbell’s residency as part of Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, bringing the 100 Dogs Project to Clonmel.

“The response to the call out in April for community groups and schools to be involved in the 100 Dogs Project has been phenomenal,” says Rebecca Lenehan, Artistic Director, Clonmel Junction Arts Festival. “We’re so delighted that by reaching out, so many groups have taken the opportunity to be involved in this special project.”

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The groups involved in the project include: The National Learning Network, Ancaire Autism Outreach, RehabCare Group Clonmel, The Circular Square Group, Clonmel Tidy Towns Volunteers, Cluain Training Centre, Traveller Health Project, Clonmel Youth Training Enterprise, St Mary’s Parochial School, Saint Oliver’s N.S., Sisters of Charity N.S. (and Special Needs Unit), and Ardfinnan N.S.

OPPORTUNITY
“Ancaire were delighted with the opportunity to work in partnership with the Junction Festival. Community inclusion is a big part of what we do in our service so to be able to take part in such a huge project means a lot of our service,” says Nathan Dolan from Ancaire Autism Outreach.

“The Dog Project started with a dog made on Cape Clear,” says Tom. “We didn’t have many materials, so it was a bit of a misshaped mutt, but on the way home I saw how much people liked it and decided to make 100 dogs as a street installation.”
Tom has gone on to run the project six times, three times in Ireland and once in Oxford with Mind (a mental health charity in the UK) and twice in Italy, including in the Mirabilia Festival. ble way of making sculpture.

During the build-up to the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, the 100 Dogs Project workshops are taking place in the Showgrounds Shopping Centre, with drop-in sessions for the public also scheduled every Saturday until 21st June from 10am to 4pm.

“It’s great to have space in the Showgrounds Shopping Centre,” says Tom. “We already have 17 dogs started and people are curious about the dogs.”

So, if you have spare time on Saturday 24th May, 31st May, 7th June, 14th June or 21st June in the lead up to Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, call into the Showgrounds Shopping Centre between 10am and 4pm and be part of this exciting and inclusive community engagement project.

“It’s great to have lots of different groups and for them to see the project grow as each dog adds to the pack. Once there are 100 dogs there will be a big impact,” says Tom, adding, “Help is welcome.”
Watch out for the dogs out and about during this year’s festival from 4th to 13th July at the various venues around Clonmel including Kickham Plaza, South Tipperary Arts Centre, STAC Chapel, The Main Guard, Old St Mary’s Church, O’Connell Street and Mitchell Street.

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“We’re delighted the 100 Dogs Project has had such an impact already and is building anticipation and curiosity about the festival programme to come,” says Rebecca. “There will be a gathering with the dogs for a walk to Kickham Plaza for all participants, friends and families on Saturday 5th July, meeting at the Showgrounds Shopping Centre.