"RADE's innovative programme of combatting substance abuse through art introduces addicts to their own genius, their own best selves, it focuses on the buzz that living a positive life can bring,a buzz that is genuine and life enhancing"
President Mary McAleese
News
We are Hiring
RADE is taking applications for a Drug and Alcohol Project Worker.
This job is an excellent opportunity for anyone working in the field of addiction who wants to be part of a small, dynamic team in Dublin 8.
RADE believes that creativity is open to everyone and our mission is to engage people wishing to address substance dependency through both the arts and through therapeutic supports. Our participants are at the heart of the RADE service and the Drug and Alcohol Project Worker will have daily contact with participants and staff. They will help to maintain a strong community that strives to provide a platform for creative expression and progression from addiction.
Please send covering letter and full curriculum vitae by email to chairperson@rade.ie or by post to: Project Director, RADE, OLV Building, Cathedral View Court, Off New Street, Dublin D08 PW8Y
Closing date: 23rd October 2024 5pm (not 23rd November 2024 as noted on the Job Description)
Interviews: Tuesday 5th November 2024 (and not 6th and 7th as noted on the Job Description)
Please address any queries about the process to info@rade.ie or call 01 4548733
Forest Bathing
On June 26, 2024 RADE participants went on an outing to Knocksink wood for a day of forest bathing. This Japanese practice of nature immersion, known to reduce stress and improve immune system, offers benefits for mental and physical well-being. Led by Rosalind of Walk of Leaf, this nature walk involved stopping at several points along the trail for nature immersion activities. As a group, we began by practicing mindfulness breathing techniques. Before the walk, participants were asked to find a loose item on the ground to drop into the flowing river as a symbol of letting go, which was a great way to start off the walk.
Along the trail we witnessed tadpoles, butterflies, and the small beautiful details of nature. We engaged in several activities, outlined below:
Loose treasure Participants were tasked with finding a loose treasure on the ground which was wonderful way to connect with nature
Think, pair, share The group separated into pairs to share with one another about their favourite tree and then we regrouped to share what our partners said, fostering deeper connections
Pen and paper exercise Participants were given a blank piece of paper and pen for them to close their eyes and move the pen to the sound of the surrounding noises. This resulted in a unique art piece in the end
Sensory focus We paused to focus on our senses, noticing sounds, smells, and sights of the forest
Solo time in nature Participants found their own quiet, secluded areas to sit and just ‘be’ in nature
Natural art creation Together we crafted a large natural art piece from loose forest items found in our surroundings
At the end of our walk we concluded with a nice picnic where participants emphasized the sense of relaxation and peace they felt from this experience. Many noted their desire to repeat this outing again. As a special touch, local tea and seeds were gifted to participants from Rosalind. Participants enjoyed a sunny and peaceful outing which fostered relaxation, mindfulness, and time to disconnect.
Thank you to all the participants and Rosalind for making this day memorable.
Readings from RADE
On 26th October 2023, RADE hosted a public reading to share the creative writing of RADE participants with the community.
Participants chose and read extracts from the writing that they had created over the course of an eight week long Creative Writing Workshop led by published author, Karl Parkinson. A good number of friends of RADE showed up to enjoy an afternoon of moving and entertaining readings. We are thankful to everyone who shared their writings and appreciate the courage it takes to stand up and share their stories. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event. We hope to see you and many more of our friends in the future.
Here is a selection of some of the work produced in the workshop
NOTHING EVER CHANGES A poem by Will B
A timeless refrain,
In the halls of power, they play the same game.
Politicians cascade, making promises of gold,
While their bank balances soar, the secrets untold.
…And so, what was possibly the weirdest rave I ever attended, took place.
Everyone one on the landing and many prisoners much further a field that night were havin’ it large; all together, dancing and screaming like banshees, and banging on the doors every time a really good tune came on, but in the solitary of our cells with only a small radio each as a sound system. But twenty prisoners in each landing on a wing with hundreds of prisoners, many of which were high as fuck, all playing the same station at the same time can still kick up quite a racket. The screws would have seen clearly what was happening, but there’s another rule; Once the door is locked, it stays locked, unless there’s an emergency. And half the wing off their tits on speed and hash, dancing like lunatics alone in their cells like they were there, until the early hours, just didn’t breach that threshold.
So we danced and sang and took what life was available from the ether and eventually around 5am the noise quietened, with any late screamers being loudly told what to do by everyone else who was coming down. 7.30am rolled around. I had not slept and was short most of my belongings, having used them as currency to cover the expense of the night before. I was yet again ushered through the reception into a transport. When we got to the courthouse I was placed into a cell with all the others, spitting and smoking and using and waiting. My name was called first. I stood before the judge. He was reading silently from a large folder. This went on for several long minutes in which time The Argument started to shout. I was losing control and my solicitor could see it. He motioned to a screw, who came over to me and whispered kindly, and urgently, “Keep it together, you’re nearly there…”
After a conversation between the public prosecutor, my solicitor and the judge, which they didn’t feel any need to make me part of, the judge simply announced “You can go. Report to probation services sometime within the next forty eight hours” and that was it. I was free.
A Lesson in the Park by William McKenna
He was finally back to his favourite bench in Merrion Square. His little flying friends were already gathering by his feet, cooing and adjusting for position.
Well, I’ve been in Liverpool for the past two weeks so you must be starving he thought. He took a bag of crushed digestive biscuit crumbs from his jacket pocket and began spreading them amongst the eager flock. Pigeons have no manners, unlike my robin friends, he said lightly to himself. Peering through the hazy sunshine he could hear voices getting louder in the quiet surroundings. It was two young boys approaching. I hope they don’t disturb the birds’ dinnertime he thought.
“Sorry auld lad, you wouldn’t have a light on ye?”, the slightly taller boy asked.
“No, sorry, I don’t smoke anymore”, the old man replied, “and neither should you two young men.”
“What would ye know auldie?”, the short boy chimed in.
“Well, I just returned from Liverpool after burying my best friend. The bestest friend I had in my whole life.”
“Sorry to hear that man”, they both said in unison.
“He was two years younger than myself, but he was a smoker to the bitter end.”
“Sounds like he was coolaboola”, the tall one sniggered, now putting the cigarette back in its box.
“If you think that taking over four years to die of lung cancer and being in intensive care for weeks on end is anything got to do with being cool, then go ahead, smoke yourself to death. I don’t care,” the old man said sternly.
The biscuit bag was almost empty now as the two boys stood still in silence. “That’s all we had in the end”, continued the old man, “silence.”
“Were youse not talking no more?”, the young one asked timidly.
“He couldn’t talk no more lads. He was a great singer back in the day, ye know. The girls used to go crazy for him, made me mad jealous.”
“Smoking is good for my voice, he would say.” The old man now visibly upset.
“Lads, the cancer had spread to his throat and after the operation he was a left with a hole right here, said the old man pointing to his neck. Didn’t stop the stubborn eejit from smoking through it though.”
“Jaysus wha?” Screamed the tall boy as his friend was already bent over gagging.
“Not a pretty site I can tell ya boys. Do yourselves a favour continued the old man, don’t smoke and you will have plenty of years to thank me later.”
“Yeah, grand, sound, no bother,” said the tall one. “So, see you around, so.”
“See ye around fellas and good luck”, the old man said while shaking their hands. He watched them both leave as they walked then along the gravel path.
“Right Stevo”, he could hear the tall one say. “Your Dad’s a bollix. So we’ll give him these and then get one of them vape yokes like what Sarah smokes.”
“Yeh, deadly whacker, she’ll be mad into you know.”
The old man gave out a wee chuckle as the boys voices faded out into the distance.
“You see”, he said looking down at the last remaining pigeon, “Bad habits are just as bad to kick as bad manners.”
Hands by Mark Gillan
Hands on, hands off, can I give you a hand, I need a hand, can you hand us a tenner please, give the person a big hand. They’re handy with their hands, but there is a time and a place for that. If you’re too handy in the wrong manner, your hands will be placed in cuffs. Handcuffs impede the very reason you have hands, like Malcom McClaren once said, ‘You need hands’, and I tend to agree for the most part.
It’s the people without hands that I most admire. For whatever reason having no hands, some people have overcome this condition with spectacular results; take Christy Brown for example. I’ve seen some of the most gifted foot or mouth artists create such beauty without any palms or ten digits. Me, I’m incredibly grateful for my pair of hands because by right, I should have only one. That’s why I am also grateful to the surgeon’s hands who saved mine.
So, take the time to reflect how lucky you are and how much you take for granted your hands and picture in everyday life the multitude of uses hands play. Holding, waving, shaking, slapping, pointing, rubbing. If I’m not getting my point across, think about the next time you’re wiping your arse.
To Those We Missby Noreen Flood
We were a young family coming here from England. My mother had been told she had breast cancer, as my father had already taken two massive heart attacks.
We arrived with nothing but a few suitcases mom dad and seven children.
We were split up.
My older sisters stayed with my mother’s sisters and never moved into our new home in Finglas. New is a word I wouldn’t use.
We were a very young family losing both parents. My oldest sister was 21. Jean looked after us the best she could but she fell pregnant and her partner wanted her to move in with him.
We all moved into town from Finglas as my mom’s family was all we knew. My sister Jackie was second oldest she was the mother hen of us. Not only to us, to everyone. She was overweight and this was her only downfall. She would dress us for the holidays the only way she knew, shoplifting. Jackie would have loved Evan’s Shop. Opened a few years after her death.
Jackie had an eye for fashion. Even though she couldn’t wear nice little dresses. She would dress all of us up. She would show the slim girls the clothes to wear.
I always remember her being called Alison Moyet because she had a big soft heart and loved all and only tried her best for everyone. She never let her size stop her from going to discos. How she loved to dance, and Jackie could move. Jackie would always say we only have each other so don’t let each other down, she was my Hero.
We had our children the same day. And Jackie had her third and me my first. Jackie had her baby two hours later. She is down back in the delivery room with me. She done everything for me and my son. Even getting her partner to go to Pennrey’s to buy me underwear, etc.
Jackie was a earth angel taken by a drunk driver. She died talking about her three babies aged 3, 2 and 1. How cruel is life. She was so beautiful, yet she made everyone close to her look beautiful. She had a way even with make-up.
God, she didn’t know just how much she was loved because she never believed in any fairytales.
She even seen her death, always saying I won’t see Gemma her three-year-old make her first communion and she didn’t.
Not a day goes by Jackie that I don’t think of all that you did for us and anyone who needed a good friend. My sister Jackie was the best. Gone, but never forgotten.
Open Call for an Artist in Residence Now Closed
20th September 2023
Artist in Residence
Socially Engaged Arts Practice at RADE CLG
RADE Recovery through Arts Drama and Education are inviting artists to apply for a new artist residency to be based at RADE’s premises in Dublin 8. The aim of the residency is to provide an opportunity for an emerging or established artist to embed with a community group through socially engaged arts practice. By working collaboratively with RADE participants and staff, the AIR will bring professional arts practice into the heart of RADE’s activities. Both the artist and the RADE community will benefit from this collaboration, serving RADE’s vision that ‘creativity is open to everyone’.
This AIR is supported by Dublin City Council’s Neighbourhood Grant.
Who are We? What do we do?
Established in 2004, RADE is an addiction service that runs a daily arts-based recovery service for regular participants in Dublin 8. Daily activities include yoga and meditation, creative workshops and relapse prevention sessions. RADE has worked with many professional artists over the years producing numerous films, theatre, dance productions, art exhibitions and other arts-based events with RADE participants. In this residency, RADE is seeking to broaden the relationship with a professional artist in order to integrate the artist more fully into the RADE community.
What you can expect on this residency:
2 days per week over 12 weeks at RADE (24 days)
Group Facilitation Mentorship from Project Arts Centre *see below
Creative workshop participation and leadership
Daily contact with RADE participants during creative workshops
An artist fee of €4,800 to include materials
Access to workshop space for individual arts practice each afternoon
RADE staff liaison for support and integration
Ongoing evaluation and feedback
Hot desk and laptop in RADE office with access to administrative resources and materials
Option to take part in daily yoga and meditation
Gradual introduction into the RADE community to allow for time to learn workshop facilitation skills
* Project Arts Centre have been working in partnership with RADE throughout 2023, through the Project Potential Programme. As part of this offering, Head of Project Potential, Cathy Coughlan, will provide 3 mentoring sessions to the selected artist around community facilitation in this specific context.
Who Should Apply?
Artist of any discipline who is interested in socially engaged arts practice
Early career or established artist
Artist with ambition to see their arts practice as part of recovery through engagement with the arts
Artists who want to be part of a strong community that values personal growth through arts activity
Artists with availability on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am to 5pm from 21st November 2023 to 14th February 2024
You must be over 18 years of age and have legal status to work in the Republic of Ireland
Apply:
In order to apply please send a copy of your CV or a bio (max 500 words) along with an answer to the following questions to the email address below:
How would you describe your practice? (100 words max)
Describe your experience (if any) of working collaboratively with a community? (100 words max)
How would you adapt your approach to meet the varied needs of this community group? (100 words max)
What interests you about working on this project and how will it inform your existing practice? (100 words max)
What interests you about the mentorship and exchange elements of the project? (100 words max)
Please note: applicants are not expected to have a fully formed idea at this stage of the application process, as this will be developed in collaboration with the community. However, we would like to see a clear outline of methodology and approach to working in this context.
Please include: a link (max 3) to an example of your work and/or any social media handles that you want us to see.
You can contact us in writing, by audio or on video. Please send all queries to Karen Pierce at karen@rade.ie.
The deadline for applications is 12pm Friday 13th October
RADE is a registered charity funded by the Department of Social Protection and the HSE through SICDATF (South Inner City Drug and Alcohol Task Force).
Applications are now closed.
The Garden Project – Ó Liath go Glas
Ó Liath go Glas, (From Grey to Green) was a new community project emerging from 2022’s Rhizome Green Arts project run by the Project Arts Centre, and which inspired RADE to establish a garden at our inner city premises during the summer of 2023.
This short documentary film beautifully recounts the pride that was taken in this collaborative project and how socially engaged arts practice can benefit communities such as RADE.
Over the course of spring and early summer 2023 the courtyard at RADE was transformed into an urban oasis thanks to the efforts of RADE participants in partnership with artist Louis Haugh through the Project Arts Centre and horticultural instructor Andrew Jordan.
RADE participants worked with Louis and Andrew to design raised beds and an archway connecting two of the raised beds. Participants then selected which plants they were interested in growing with Andrew. Over the course of the 8 week workshop, the participants have grown vegetables, herbs and flowers from seed and transplanted them into the raised beds. With support from the CDETB (City Of Dublin Education and Training Board) the project also included an educational element in basic gardening skills with the potential for participants to complete the QQI Level 3 course in Basic Gardening.
In a short period of time the courtyard evolved into an inviting space. It has become a natural place to spend time outside of workshops and a peaceful spot for quiet reflection.
The RADE Garden was launched at a celebration on Thursday, the 17th of August 2023. We were delighted to be joined by many RADE friends to help mark this uplifting project.
RADE would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners and funders on the project. It has been kindly supported by the Project Arts Centre, BAM’s Community Benefit Fund for the new children’s hospital, CDETB and Dublin City Council.
RADE’S accordion book project is finished
RADE’S accordion book project is finished! It was a lot of fun mark making and experimenting with materials!
David Stone- In Memoriam
RADE notes the recent passing of film maker, David Stone.
David worked with RADE in 2019 when we were putting together ideas for what would become RADE’s most recent film, ‘The Tapper’s Opera’.
Unfortunately, David had to step away from our collaboration because of his health. All of us at RADE, including former director and founder Mick Egan, extend our condolences to David’s family and friends. We are glad that we got to work, albeit for a limited time, with such a fine person.
“If interested, please contact RADE on 01 454 6406 or by email to monika@rade.ie”
ART & DRAMA Volunteers
RADE is currently seeking volunteers with backgrounds in the visual and dramatic arts to assist in facilitating art & drama workshops. This is a chance to engage in exciting group projects and gain experience in group facilitation. Volunteers will be required to undergo Garda clearance and in-house induction prior to commencing. If interested, please contact RADE on 01 454 6406 or by email to cathal@rade.ie
Further showings of RADE’s new films!
The RADE film screenings were a fantastic success on Monday
the 23rd at the Irish Film Institute.
Over 200 people attended the launch; a wonderful
inter-agency experience of coming together and participation in the arts for
everybody.
Since the Launch, RADE has already received several requests regarding further showings.
We are delighted to announce that you can still catch RADE’s 2 new films from 2019 “The Man In the Chair” and “The Girl In The Window” on the big screen in RADE’s studio space at the OLV Building, every Wednesday at 2:00 pm. (These 2 new films will not go online till November 2020).
We can seat up to 50 people, so booking in advance is essential.
Culture Night at RADE 2019
It’s that time of year again! Culture Night will soon again be upon us on Friday the 20th September 2019, from 4 pm to 9 pm.
RADE will open its door to the public to display a collection of artwork by their participants. Throughout the evening, RADE will screen a series of original short films, starring RADE participants.
RADE’s vision: Creativity is open to everyone
Summer Outing to The Cavan Centre
BOOK LAUNCH 2019
The launch of our new book of art and poetry entitled ‘Raidin’ Writing & Drawing’.
The launch will take place at our premises, The OLV Building, Cathedral View Court, New Street, Dublin 8, at 11:30am on both Tuesday 30th April and Wednesday 1st May. Anne Buckley will formally launch the book on the 30th of April. We will be screening our most recent film ‘Spare Change’, and performing a RADE signature drama piece ‘Get Stoned’, on both dates.
2019 Aontas Star Awards ceremony
The 2019 Aontas Star Awards ceremony took place in the Pillar Room at the Rotunda Hospital on Monday, 4th March. As recipients of a 2018 Star Award, RADE was invited to present awards to this year’s winners in the Social Inclusion category.
RADE would like to cordially invite you to the opening of our latest art exhibition in the OLV Building at 1:00 pm on Monday 5th November.
This exhibition is called “One Wish” and will feature the first showing of our fantastic new sculpture from 6000-year-old bog oak called “Moving Family”. There will also be many of the sculptures created under the supervision of Eoghan O’Neill RIP, through the RADE years.
Contemporary Paintings and drawings from our current programme participants will also be on show.
This will be a first production that will include inter agency participants and participants working with RADE through the new HSE initiative.
RADE will be screening our new film in the main cinema IFI in Temple Bar at 12.00pm on Wednesday 13th June. This screening is for Service Users and we welcome all the other projects to join us for another ‘cracker’ from the RADE team, probably their funniest offering yet. A great opportunity for the service users to meet up and a powerful demonstration of the social contribution, that can be made by people in recovery. Please contact RADE by email info@rade.ie or 014548733 and let us know how many people you wish to bring. Book early there are only 258 seats and they’re being snapped up fast.
This short film is an absurd comedy about the desperate state of Ireland’s housing crisis. From unscrupulous landlords to the ‘invisible homeless’ and politicians reverting to Victorian attitudes, there’s never been a worse time to be without a roof over your head.
‘Spare Change’ was developed from the true-life tales of the RADE participants and their first-hand accounts of the current housing crisis.
RADE will also screen their highly acclaimed hilarious film from 2017 “Irish Light V’s Tony”