The story of one million stars
We connect communities through the power of creativity and raise dv awareness through our workshops and installations to create a safer violence free future for all.
We promote the values of social justice, that everyone deserves to be safe, no matter what economic, ethnic, social background you come from. We encourage empowerment, our star weaving communities have autonomy over their star creations and exhibitions.
ONE MILLION STARS IRELAND PROJECT LEAD
“I grew up during the troubles in Northern Ireland and I believe in the power of creativity in connecting communities. I am currently working with Amber Women’s Refuge in Kilkenny. Before and during COVID19 I have been raising awareness of domestic abuse and introducing the stars to Ireland by creating star weaving communities with vulnerable members of the community. You are not alone.” – Siobhán McQuillan.
Siobhan McQuillan is a registered art therapist with IACAT. Siobhan is founder of Arts Reach Ireland and is committed to connecting communities through the healing power of art. Siobhán is Ireland’s star weaving leader and is responsible for bringing the stars to Ireland in 2019. Siobhán is an Art Therapist for her own practice, Arts Reach Ireland and together with Amber Women’s Refuge have founded One Million Stars Ireland. Supporting communities/villages in Ireland to weave stars for various installations with the aim of raising domestic abuse awareness while using the power of weaving and the arts to build community resilience and hope for a safer future for all. Art therapy is informed by the principles of Psychotherapy.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Art therapists work with children, young people and adults. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses.
Professional Practice
Although influenced by psychoanalysis, I believe in integrating modalities into my practice through a measured approach. My practice evolves to reflect the diversity of clients. During my professional training and CPD training I have studied theories such as attachment-based psychotherapy, client-centred approaches such as psycho-educational, mindfulness and mentalization-based treatments, compassion-focussed and cognitive analytic therapies. I have a special interest in the links between neuro-science and art therapy. I have a Diploma in Integrated Adolescent Psychotherapy IACP. Which include the interventions of Psyoscocial development, suicide and self harm, Solution Focused Therapy,Motivational Interviewing. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Trauma Informed Therapy and Mindfulness.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Our Stars weaving Project
The stars have come to symbolise many things to many people. They signify light, hope and courage and although originally the main aim of the project was to raise Domestic Abuse awareness it became apparent that the stars have become imbued with different meaning; remembrance for those who have passed away, solidarity and support for front line workers during the Covid Pandemic, a light in the darkness for those experiencing dark and difficult times particularly the social isolation of lockdown. A sign of connection to a wider community. Solidarity against injustice, an activity that is gross cultural and cross-generational
Within the context of the One Million Stars Ireland Project, art is not used as diagnostic tool nor as arts psychotherapy however the project promotes the therapeutic and mindfulness benefits of creativity and is built upon an informed therapeutic approach. This project uses creativity to connect communities through a common symbolic language and social justice goal.
Weaving for Wellbeing:
- Our zoom weaving workshops promote mental health wellbeing through the use of art as therapy.
- Taking part in a creative activity lowers cortisol levels (weavers get a release of endorphins with every star that is completed).
- Being part of a community and working towards a shared goal promotes resilience and reduces the effects of isolation.
- New studies in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh suggest that learning and mastering a new skill builds new synaptic connectivity, generating new neural activity patterns. Meaning that participating in the art of weaving is good for your brain health!
Finding Connection and Create Healing Zoom Workshops
WE DELIVER WEAVING ZOOMS FOR SCHOOLS AND ORGAINISATIONS AND COMMUNITTY GROUPS.WE DELIVER CUSTOM BUILD PRESENTATIONS TO WEAVING COMMUNITIES, BUSINESSES AND ORGNISTAIONSWHO WOULD LIKE TO GET STARTED AND GET HELP TO SET UP THEIR OWN WEAVING COMMUNITY. THE WORKSHOPS ARE DELIVERED BY A REGISTERED ART THERAPIST AND PROMOTE CONNECTION AND WELLBEING THROUGH CREATIVITY. Now more than ever we need to stay connected as humans we are innate social beings; research shows that staying connected by working together on a shared goal builds resilience. Our workshops aim to reduce the effects of social isolation. Research-Based Evidence
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Weaving for Wellbeing:
- Our zoom weaving workshops promote mental health wellbeing through the use of art as therapy.
- Taking part in a creative activity lowers cortisol levels (weavers get a release of endorphins with every star that is completed).
- Being part of a community and working towards a shared goal promotes resilience and reduces the effects of isolation.
- New studies in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh suggest that learning and mastering a new skill builds new synaptic connectivity, generating new neural activity patterns. Meaning that participating in the art of weaving is good for your brain health!
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