Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) Creative Arts Research Centre (CARC) recently held an extremely successful and fantastically attended interdisciplinary symposium entitled ‘Reworking Folklore for Sound, Stage and Screen’ on campus. The symposium consisted of scholars from DkIT, University of Limerick, University of Ulster, and Queens University Belfast.

The keynote speaker on the day was Dr Susan Motherway from Munster Technological University and the event comprised of a great mix of DkIT and external participants. In particular, the Institute was delighted that individuals from outside academia attended and there were members of Scoraíocht Lann Léire, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and other local organisations who commented positively on the presentations and enquired about potential future collaborations modelled on the projects presented. It was clear that the research being undertaken at DkIT and other institutions in this area is meaningful to our community stakeholders outside of academia and this symposium provided an opportunity to demystify the research process.

The Institute also welcomed some undergraduate students who attended at various points during the day and hopefully some of those will be encouraged to explore postgraduate options at DkIT.

The research presentations at the event had a wonderful connectivity and several ideas recurred throughout the day, adding value to the event, and allowing for the development of discussion and a sharing of ideas. The concert which was part of the symposium was a warm and enjoyable occasion and the organisers were delighted to be joined by members of the wider musical community with the final set of the night including musicians from the audience. There was great connection between the music, song and dance performed at the concert and the presentations during the symposium.

In his opening comments, Dr Gerard Bob McKiernan noted the growth of research in the Creative Arts and welcomed a number of new members of staff who have already begun to contribute to the research here at DkIT. He also recognised the interconnection between the local and the global, a recurring theme throughout the day that was at the heart of the keynote presentation by Dr Susan Motherway from Munster Technological University.

Dr Daithí Kearney Co-Director of the Centre for Creative Arts said

“The interdisciplinary aspect of the symposium was particularly rewarding and reflective of the programmes and research in the School of Informatics and Creative Arts at DkIT. Events such as this allow lecturers to share their research with colleagues and enhance a sense of community. It is also an opportunity to connect with visiting scholars and find out more about research in other institutions, developing links that are increasingly important in the context of Higher Education”