New Music for Elaine Mai and MayKay, Inspired by the Children of Ireland
Talented artist and producer, Elaine Mai has again teamed up with MayKay, renowned lyricist and vocalist, to create a brand new song inspired by the thoughts of children across Ireland. Commissioned by The Ark, Children's Cultural Centre, "What Will You Say?" is a powerful anthem that speaks to the rights of children and the issues that matter most to them.
The song was unveiled at the recent Right Here Right Now Rally in Meeting House Square as part of The Ark's Festival for children on February 24th, 2023. But the story of its creation goes back to last November, when The Ark and Iarnród Éireann asked children across the country to share their thoughts on their rights. The responses formed the inspiration for this incredible track.
Elaine Mai, whose album 'Home' was nominated for the Choice Music prize, was the perfect artist to bring this song to life. She composed the music based on the children's responses, while MayKay co-wrote and produced the track. The result is a stomping rally tune that signifies the power of children's voices.
The song was recorded with The SuperTones children's choir in Dublin studio Diffusion Lab, and is a testament to the creativity and passion of young people across Ireland. With "What Will You Say?", Elaine Mai and MayKay have created a song that truly captures the spirit of The Ark and its commitment to empowering children through the arts.
Speaking of the project, Elaine said, "I wanted to create a track that could be a powerful rally cry for children's rights. The Ark holds a special place in my heart, as I visited it when I was a kid and was blown away by it. To be able to return and be a part of a campaign that would empower and amplify the voices of children was an honour."
"I really hope the kids are proud and take this song away with them knowing they inspired it and created it. And that we’re listening to them. There are so many kids in Ireland now that are here for so many different reasons. I hope they feel heard and loved too." - MayKay
Child participation was at the heart of the Right Here Right Now! The Ark’s Festival of Children which was co-curated by children and all about children.
The result of this collaboration for The Ark is a stomping rally tune that signifies the power of children's voices.
LISTEN TO “WHAT WILL YOU SAY” HERE.
Supported by The Toy Show Appeal at the Community Foundation for Ireland, and Art:2023, a partnership between the Arts Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Right Here Right Now! puts children’s voices and their rights at the centre of attention.
Director of The Ark, Aideen Howard has been working with a sub-group of The Ark Children’s Council over the last few months as together they co-curated this festival, result being an exciting three-day long festival of free music, dance, theatre and art celebrating children’s rights.The flagship event was the Right Here Right Now Rally where children will have the chance to voice their thoughts and concerns and gather together in solidarity.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!
About The Ark:
Established in 1995, The Ark is a dedicated cultural centre for children. We create opportunities for children, along with their families and friends or with their school, to discover and love art. We commission, produce and present work for, by and about children, from the ages of two to twelve years old. We do so in our architecturally award-winning home in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar, leased through a long-term cultural use agreement with Temple Bar Cultural Trust. We also work through our online channels, off-site and on tour in Ireland and abroad. Through our work with leading Irish and international artists, children can enjoy performances in our unique child-sized theatre, view engaging exhibitions or participate in creative workshops. We also curate specific professional development opportunities for teachers and artists.
We work in partnership with others as artistic collaborators and regularly share our resources and knowledge with artists, educators and all those interested in child-centered arts practice. We also work with other like-minded organisations to advance children’s rights to art and culture as part of their learning and development. The Ark is dedicated to creating brilliant art experiences for children, schools and families.
The Ark gratefully acknowledges the continued support of its principal funder, The Arts Council, and its other annual supporters: the Department of Education, Temple Bar Cultural Trust and Dublin City Council.
The Ark would like to thank Iarnród Éireann for their help in amplifying children's voices through a poster campaign featuring children's own words in stations around the country in support of this festival.
