Cross border storytelling project

'BORDER TALK' - Expression of Interest Form

Storytellers of Ireland in partnership with The Armstrong Storytelling Trust have recently launched a joint cross border storytelling project called 'Border Talk'. Funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), the project promises to deliver cross border, cross community storytelling events and training programmes to promote the tradition of oral storytelling and in turn develop a network of storytellers who can deliver cross-border events, leading to increased cross-border activities and reconciliation amongst border communities. The border area is a unique landscape with a rich heritage in the oral tradition of storytelling. We invite expressions of interest from anyone from the border counties of Armagh and Monaghan for Phase 1 of this project. This EOI seeks to establish a group of participants from these counties in a bespoke storytelling training program, leading to a National Open College Network (NOCN) Level 2 Unit in Oral Storytelling skills for performance.

The training will provide participants with essential storytelling skills. Training will include research work as well as presentation skills required to tell stories to an audience. Some preparation work will also be required outside of contact (class) time. Candidates will be required to deliver a short oral storytelling performance and collate a small portfolio of evidence for their final assessment. A laptop / computer with internet access will be essential to take part in the course.

Course Tutors & Assessors : Liz Weir MBE & Stephen O'Hara of Armstrong Storytelling Trust
NOCN Verifier: Colette McCafferty, Travel & Tourism Associates

The course will involve 7 sessions delivered in a hybrid fashion; in person and online as set out below;

In person Session - Sat 9th September - 10.00-12.30 & 14.00-16.00 - Bluebell Lane, Mullaghbane
Online Session - Tues 12th, 19th, 26th September & 3rd, 10th October - 19.00-21.30;
In person - Sat 14th October - 10.00-12.30 & 14.00-16.00 - To be confirmed

Essential Criteria
1.         Resident in County Armagh or County Monaghan;
2. Availability to attend all sessions as listed above or at a minimum 6 out of 7 sessions and Day 1 & 2 are essential;
3.      Agreement to be video recorded as part of the group for assessment purposes;
4.         Commitment to participating in at least 2 local Yarnspinning sessions.

Screening Process
Places are limited and we may therefore need to apply a screening process. In the event of needing to allocate on this basis, participants will be assessed against the answers to the following questions in this form.

Deadline
If you are interested in taking part in this course, please complete the attached form by Friday 18th August 2023

For further information on Border Talk or this Expression of Interest form, please contact Colleen Savage, Project Coordinator on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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