Children and young people from the Breaking Barriers Theatre Group at the Crann Centre recently took part in a three-day inclusive aerial arts residency at Circus Factory, offering many participants the chance to experience aerial performance for the very first time.
Delivered in partnership with ExtraOrdinary Bodies, the residency created a supportive and imaginative environment where participants could explore movement in the air. Working alongside expert riggers, performers—including wheelchair users—were safely lifted, suspended, and guided through aerial dance, creating a powerful sense of freedom and new artistic expression.
One parent described the experience as unforgettable:
“We will never be able to thank you – Breaking Barriers, ExtraOrdinary Bodies and Circus Factory – enough… If there was an Oscar for entertainment and fun for kids, that statue would be pride of place in Crann reception. We will be eternally grateful to you all.”
Donna O’Kenney, Breaking Barriers Programme manager spoke about the children’s experience “Our Breaking Barriers group lived up to their name, getting to fly high at Circus Factory with Extraordinary Bodies, they were given a space that was safe enough to take a real risk. They felt the fear and went up anyway. Even an inch mattered, and what followed was pure joy.”
Building Confidence Through Creative Collaboration
The Breaking Barriers children’s and youth groups have been working with Circus Factory for the past 18 months, taking part in regular workshops in juggling, plate spinning, hula hooping, and flower sticks. The programme has proven hugely successful, with participants proudly showcasing their skills at National Children’s Day celebrations in Cork City Hall last year.
Tara O’Donovan, Social Capital Lead at Crann Centre, said:
“Our partnership with Circus Factory has been incredibly rewarding for the children and young people attending Breaking Barriers. It has created more opportunities for accessible and equitable experiences in theatre and the arts, and you can see their confidence, joy and camaraderie grow.”
Now in its eighth year, the Breaking Barriers Theatre Group was established to support inclusive participation in the arts for children and young people living with neuro-physical disabilities. The programme continues to grow, with four groups now running every Saturday during the school term. It is also affiliated with Youth Theatre Ireland, connecting participants with a wider community of youth theatre groups across the country.
Measurable Impact
The impact of the programme is clear. A 2024 Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation found that 67% of participants in Crann’s Social Capital services—including Breaking Barriers—reported a significant increase in self-confidence. This highlights the vital role that creative, social experiences play in supporting the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and their families.
Acknowledgements
This residency was made possible thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council and Cork City Council Arts Office.
Breaking Barriers is supported by the Community Foundation Ireland Toy Show Appeal. To learn more about the Breaking Barriers Theatre Group, visit:
https://cranncentre.ie/social-capital/breaking-barriers-theatre-group/
To learn more about Circus Factory, visit:
https://circusfactorycork.com/
