Graduation from a unique Visual Art degree course takes place on Sherkin Island.
Sherkin Island off the west Cork coast is the first island in the country to run a four-year degree course under the auspices of a third-level institution. The BA (Hons) in Visual Art degree course is a unique partnership between the Sherkin Island Development Society (SIDS), the West Cork Arts Centre and the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT).
Graduating with honours degrees are seven final-year students, Sheelagh Broderick, Ciarnad Ryan, Gill Good, Geoff Stephens, John Desmond, Tess Leak and Jill Hegarty.
Gill Good from Ballinadee in County Cork feels fortunate to have completed a degree programme in such an inspirational environment. DIT BA Visual Art Degree co-ordinator Bernadette Burns explains how the course operates. The seed for the four year degree course was first sown ten years ago as a means of supporting isolated communities while also promoting sustainable development.
The course has been a social and economic lifeline for islanders. For SIDS chairperson Dan Reilly the course exemplifies what a small community can achieve. The experience has been,
Tremendously uplifting for the community and for the students and for everybody.
The seven graduates are conferred with their degrees by DIT director of academic affairs Dr Frank McMahon in the Sherkin Island Community Centre. Also attending are DIT leaders, Minister for Education and Science Batt O'Keeffe and practically all of Sherkin Island’s 100 residents.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 March 2009. The reporter is Jennie O'Sullivan.
