New immersive visual arts programme for Kildare primary schools launched by Riverbank Arts Centre in collaboration with the Shackleton Experience, Athy
A new immersive visual arts programme for primary school students across Kildare has been unveiled by Riverbank Arts Centre in collaboration with the Shackleton Experience, Athy, the only institution in the world dedicated to the life and achievements of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton.
The project, An Antarctic Journey with Martina McDonald and the Shackleton Experience, aims to deliver an immersive visual arts programme for primary school students across Kildare through photography, storytelling, and artefact encounters. Students will also explore Martina’s personal Antarctic journey alongside the legacy of Ernest Shackleton in an exciting, interactive and engaging way.
The project combines an interactive tour with Martina and Shackleton Experience Tour Guides in the venue followed by an in-school printmaking workshop the subsequent week, highlighting print as a historic method of documenting exploration. This two-part experience invites children to connect imagination, creativity, and adventure.
Speaking about the project Martina says: “This project is a wonderful opportunity to bring art and history together, allowing children to experience exploration through Shackleton’s story and my own journey to Antarctica. By combining museum discovery and in-school creations, students will be supported to express their own creative responses to adventure and place.”
The project, which is due to officially launch in April 2026, has already had its first test run with Third Class students from Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Athy. The students were thoroughly engaged as they were led through the Experience by Martina and Tour Guides Adam Guthrie and Alyssa Russell, which included a stop to view a slideshow featuring photos from Martina’s trip to Antarctica in February 2025.
Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of the Shackleton Experience, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Riverbank on such an exciting and innovative project which brings the story of Ernest Shackleton to life in such a creative and meaningful way. By connecting our immersive and interactive experience with Martina’s hands-on artistic expertise, we are giving primary school students in Kildare the opportunity to engage with themes of exploration, resilience and courage in a truly memorable way.”
If you are a teacher and interested in signing your class up for An Antarctic Journey with Martina McDonald and the Shackleton Experience, or would like more information please contact Riverbank’s Box Office team on 045 448327 or email [email protected]
The programme is free of charge but places are limited.
Riverbank Arts Centre:
Riverbank Arts Centre is a multi-disciplinary venue in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. Riverbank Arts Centre works in partnership with international, national and local artists to deliver an accessible and consistently high-quality arts programme in an intimate environment. We provide a multi-disciplinary programme which includes theatre, cinema, comedy, music, dance, workshops and visual arts. With a dedicated children’s gallery and programming of high-quality theatre and workshops for younger audiences, Riverbank is also committed to promoting early engagement with and access to the arts. Riverbank Arts Centre is funded by Kildare County Council and The Arts Council. For more information: https://www.riverbank.ie/
For more information contact [email protected]
About the Shackleton Experience, Athy
The Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare, is the only institution in the world dedicated to the extraordinary life and achievements of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer who was born just outside Athy.
The venue has been transformed into a world-class visitor attraction that combines the largest collection of Shackleton artefacts in the world with cutting-edge technology and immersive, interactive exhibits following a €7.5 million redevelopment.
Visitors can trace Shackleton’s inspiring journey from his Kildare roots to the vast Polar ice caps, capturing the determination and leadership that defined his legacy. They can also explore in detail the three expeditions he led to the Antarctic, including the legendary Endurance expedition (1914–1917) where Shackleton managed to bring the entire crew home safely without the loss of a single life after their ship sank in a frozen sea hundreds of miles from civilisation.
