Archived SPIRASI News - 2005

Note: The following archived news items appear in reverse chronological order as that is how they are added to the front page of the SPIRASI web-site.

Art Project - Autumn 2005

SPIRASI, in collaboration with CREATE, a national arts support organisation providing services for arts development and practice in Ireland and IMMA ran an art project from August to October 2005 with a group of aged-out minors living in Dublin hostels. Artists, Louise Walsh (sculptor) and Christopher Harrington (photographer) worked with the group. The group used various media in a project aimed at allowing the young people express something of their lives in Ireland. The first set of workshops resulted in the following images. More images will be published here over the coming weeks. (last updated 1st December)

Farewell to Kate Creedon:

The staff at SPIRASI would like to wish Kate Creedon all the best in her future career in Rome. Kate has been part of the SPIRASI team since its inception in 1999 and we are all very sad to see her go. As manager of the CCST, she has been one of the main motivating forces behind the centre's progress over the last number of years. Her experience, capability, professionalism and hands on and caring approach to managing her team and clients will be sorely missed.

Torture Survivors and CCST clients star in dance performance

The Irish Modern Dance Theatre who worked with the CCST on Fall and Recover are currently putting together another interesting production called "The White Piece". The White Piece involves three clients of the CCST and promises to a very powerful performance. The dance will be performed at the Project Arts Centre from 24th to 27th of August and will then tour other theatres around the country. More details are available on their web page.

Graduation Day Friday - 15th July

The students of the IT and English courses offered by CÉIM graduated and received their diplomas on the 15th July. Congratulations were extended to the successful graduating students and all the teachers and staff who helped make it possible were thanked for their efforts. A big thanks has to go to all the musicians, cooks and helpers who made the graduation such a great day.    More >>> (old version of this web -site)

Comedy Night in Aid of SPIRASI - 7th of July

SPIRASI held a successful fund-raiser in the International Bar on Wicklow St. Resident MC Aidan Bishop hosted the event featuring some of the best up and coming comics in Dublin. A good night was had by all.

UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture on Saturday - 25th June

SPIRASI celebrated the UN day in style. The day’s events started with open discussions and workshops. The party really got going with live traditional Irish music accompanied by a dance troop. It didn’t take long for the crowd to get involved and a Salsa band followed to keep the rhythm going. The afternoon’s events ended with a disco. Click here (old version of this web -site) for photos.

CCST Staff Member Receives an award on World Refugee Day

On the 16 June 2005 the UNHCR's 3rd Annual World Refugee Day was celebrated at the Dublin City Council office on Wood Quay and awards were given in five categories to fourteen people in Ireland who are actively working with asylum seekers and refugees. The awards were presented by Dublin Lord Mayor Michael Conaghan and South African Ambassador to Ireland, Melanie Verwoerd. Catherine Butler, a social worker who has been working with victims of torture for the past three years in the CCST at SPIRASI was one of those who received an award on the day.   More >>> (old version of this web -site)

Flora Mini Marathon - Monday 5th June

Congratulations to all the Ladies who took part in the woman’s mini marathon on Bank Holiday Monday 5th June 2005. Well over a thousand Euros was raised and great fun was had by all who took part. Well done to all who ran, walked and crawled there way around the 6 mile course. Hopefully the whole office will take part next year!!