The 2nd Derry and Strabane Lifelong Learning Festival is scheduled for the week of 25-29 April 2022. The Lifelong Learning Festival is a key part of our plan to raise awareness of Derry and Strabane as a learning city. Derry and Strabane joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2019 with a focus on using learning to tackle inequalities, by removing barriers to learning, making learning accessible to everyone in the city, and, crucially, making learning enjoyable.
We want to showcase the wonderful range of learning opportunities that already exists in the Derry City and Strabane region and encourage the participation of people of all age groups, backgrounds, and locations.
Your event can be in any form, including performances, taster sessions, tours, displays, lectures, walks, demonstrations, and workshops, provided there is an element of learning attached to the event. It can be any topic from digital skills, parenting, children’s activities, family events, business, science, art, history, health, or sport. Your event can take place online, indoors, or outdoors, including on water, in libraries, museums, colleges, resource centres, community centres, parks or in your street.
You can plan an event during the festival or an activity or event which runs for longer but will be delivered during the festival week in April. We want to create an exciting inclusive programme of events which attracts people into learning.
Once again, we particularly wish to showcase events that encourage the participation of groups and individuals who have experienced barriers in accessing learning opportunities. We want to promote Derry and Strabane as a Learning City for all.
What are we looking for?
We want to demonstrate the power of learning, both formal and informal, and the benefits not only for future employment but for wellbeing and mental health.
We want submissions for imaginative and creative events that build a programme that reflects and promotes the many reasons people have for learning, whether it is learning for and in work, learning to understand diversity and live together, learning through education, or learning for life. We particularly want to promote the value of re-engaging with learning, in both a formal and informal sense.
Who can apply?
We welcome ideas from a wide range of contributors including individuals and organisations such as community groups, schools and colleges, arts organisations, businesses, public bodies, and cultural groups.
Submit an idea for an event!
We want as many communities and organisations as possible to take part in the festival by directly creating and delivering events that meet local needs. We will look at every idea submitted with a view to endorsing it under the Derry and Strabane Lifelong Learning Festival and we will co-ordinate and promote a citywide programme of events for the festival.
All you have to do is complete the Event Submission Form and send us your ideas by 12 Noon on 10th January 2022. If you have any queries please contact: learning.city@derrystrabane.com
Guidelines for festival events
- Events should be as accessible as possible and every effort should be made to cater for the special needs of attendees
- Events should be as creative and imaginative as possible with an emphasis on interactive learning
- Event organisers must take responsibility for all relevant insurances, licenses, and health & safety requirements
- The support of event organisers in publicising and promoting their particular event(s), and the festival as a whole, on any print materials, social media, and websites available would be appreciated.
- All events must be free
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