Image: Tour of VISUAL with Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, Carlow County Council
Carlow County Council proudly hosted the kick-off meeting for the Hands Across Generations (HAG) Erasmus+ Project last week in County Carlow, welcoming partners from across Europe.
The HAG project aims to connect younger and older artisans across Europe, fostering intergenerational learning, digital empowerment, and sustainable craft entrepreneurship. By encouraging knowledge exchange between generations, the initiative seeks to preserve and reimagine Europe’s rich intangible cultural heritage, ensuring traditional skills continue to thrive in a modern, digital context.
Cllr Paul Doogue, Mayor of Carlow, reflected on the project’s initial meeting by saying ‘It is in these times that our shared purpose matters most. We must continue to build partnerships, to learn from one another, and work together. By sharing our heritage and celebrating the crafts that tell our stories, we not only honour our past but strengthen the bonds that guide our future.’
The two-day kick-off, held in County Chambers, Carlow Council Offices, featured insightful discussions, study visits, and cultural exchange. Delegates from European partner countries attending the meeting included those from Greece, Italy, Finland, Spain, Cyprus, Lithuania.
Speaking about the project, Lisa Hutton, EU Projects Coordinator at Carlow County Council, said: ‘Hands Across Generations is more than a project. It’s a celebration of heritage, innovation, and connection. By bringing together artisans from across Europe, we’re building bridges between generations and cultures, ensuring that traditional skills not only survive but thrive in a digital future. The energy and collaboration at this kick-off meeting reflect the heart of what we aim to achieve over the next 24 months’.
Speaking about EU Funding for the County , Cllr. Ken Murnane , Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council “Carlow is a small county with big ambition. By engaging in projects like HAG, we’re making sure that local businesses have access to the best ideas and funding Europe has to offer. It’s about learning, connecting, and growing – together.” Ken continued to say “Europe offers enormous opportunities for regions like Carlow. This project is about empowering local organisations to tap into that opportunity to bring projects, partnerships, and investment home”
The group visited the ‘Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood’ exhibition at VISUAL Centre, enjoyed a walking tour of Carlow town, and attended presentations from FORM Carlow, Nicola Doran (Carlow Chamber of Commerce), John Shortall (County Librarian), and Aileen Nolan (Carlow County Council Arts & Culture Department, all highlighting the county’s strong creative heritage.
Image: Coilín O'Reilly, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, address to EU partners