The Early Years Network for the Arts aims to build connections and community, and support artistic and professional development for artists, producers and programmers making or presenting work for early years audiences (ages 0-6). We also welcome students, educators, lecturers and others who support the delivery of the arts to the early years community.
The network was founded in April 2025 by Heather Rose of Rose Producing and Cliodhna Noonan of Acting Up!
EYNA Microbursaries
EYNA are offering three microbursaries of €150 each. To be eligible you must be: based in Ireland, developing/researching/creating a piece for early years audiences, and a member of the EYNA network (if not, you can register above.)
Each successful recipient will receive €150 microbursary towards time for thinking and creating work for early years audiences, benefit from short Zoom mentoring sessions with Cliodhna Noonan and Heather Rose, and attend a group meeting to share outcomes of the creative process
Applications are due by Sunday 12 April, and successful recipients will be notified by 17 April. The outcomes meeting will be held in early September.
Network Events
EYNA Annual Gathering
Axis:Ballymun – 3rd March 2026
Connect. Inspire. Contribute. EYNA founding members Cliodhna Noonan and Heather Rose hosted an invigorating day of networking and exchanging expertise as we discussed the places and spaces where early years work is happening. We benefitted from a conversation with members of Small size, the EU international network for performing arts for the early years, watched an experienced early years storyteller, and attended practical workshops.
EYNA Meetups
Spring/Summer Meetups will be announced soon
A core value of the network is a firm belief in our collective strength, that anything is possible if we come together. As such, we aim to hold 6-8 meetups each year, both virtually and in-person, to create and develop both interpersonal connections and shared knowledge. In-person events are drop-in, and all are welcome!
2026 meetups to be announced soon!
EYNA Retrospective Exhibition
Axis:Ballymun cafe- 12-24 September 2025
Ballybane Library, Galway- 16 Oct-1 Nov 2025
This collection celebrates the work of artists in Ireland in the field of Early Years Arts since 2008. Many of the artists involved continue to present and perform wonderful arts experiences for 0-6 years all over the country today - in non-conventional venues and within the classroom setting.
The exhibition celebrates pivotal moments in the support of Early Years Arts such as ‘I Am Baba’ which was the first Exploring and Thinking Award supported by the four Dublin Councils. Also the first festival dedicated to Early Years audiences, Space Invaders at Farmleigh Estate, which later became the Grasshoppers International Festival in Balbriggan, supported by the arts council FIS scheme.