Engaging the Senses Early Years Symposium

‘Engaging the Senses’ A Symposium and workshops exploring multi-sensory, interactive arts for young children with complex needs.

(09:30 - 16:30) Wednesday 18th September, 2019 at The Civic, Tallaght 

‘Engaging the Senses’, is a symposium and gathering with conversation, demonstrations, and playtime workshops for both parents and arts, healthcare and early years professionals interested in exploring multi-sensory, creative play through the arts for very young children with complex needs. 

Taking place on September 18th 2019 at The Civic, in Tallaght, ‘Engaging the Senses’ is informed by The Civic’s current exploration and development in this area of work in South Dublin County Council with outcomes and learning from Helium Arts’ Pop Up Picnic and Anna Newell’s ‘Sing Me to The Sea’, both multi-sensory performance projects for children with complex needs. 

Who is this symposium for? 

Health professionals / carers: This symposium aims to inspire health professionals working in early intervention services, disability services, public health nursing and other health settings. We will discuss the impact of multi-sensory performance techniques on young children with complex needs and their families and we will consider how multi-sensory performance experiences might be incorporated into a variety of health services.  

Early years professionals: This symposium aims to inspire early childhood professionals to learn about creative tools and how to make their early years practice inclusive. 

Parents: This symposium aims to engage parents in conversation around their experiences, ideas, and wishes regarding cultural access for their children. 

Artists: This symposium aims to support theatre practitioners and musicians who are already creating work for children to begin to develop their practice into the area of multi-sensory work which is relevant not only to children with complex needs but also to young children in general. 

Other Stakeholders: Funders, Local Activists, Local Council Members, Policy Makers, Researchers, Arts Centres, Children’s Cultural Institutions very welcome!

‘This should be everywhere – all of our children should get to experience this.’ Liaison Nurse, Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation about Helium Arts’ Pop Up Picnic

*Tickets are FREE but must be booked in advance - book directly with The Civic Box Office:Or contact:  monica@helium.ie for further details.