The Hawk’s Well Theatre launches ‘The GFA for Gen Z – Project Lighthouse’ a PEACEPLUS funded project that aims to share perspectives of the journey from conflict to PEACE and history of the Good Friday Agreement.
Hawk’s Well Theatre launches ‘The GFA for Gen Z – Project Lighthouse
Left – Right: Guest Speaker Linda Ervine, Deputy Frank Feighan, Tim Attwood John and Pat Hume Foundation, Kieran Griffiths, Director Hawk’s Well Theatre, Brían Flynn Sligo County Council, Chloe Harkin The Millenium Forum, Raymond Watson Hands of History Artist, Mary Frances Doherty PEACEPLUS Manager, Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy Cathaoirleach Sligo County Council, Chris McManus PEACEPLUS Partnership
This dynamic and transformative project was launched at the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo on Sunday 21st September 2025 - International Day of Peace. The project brings young people aged 18-25 together across borders and communities to explore the question “What is the process of peace for the generation born after the Good Friday Agreement”?
The project's goal is to foster understanding, dialogue, and peacebuilding through creative engagement. By using a two-phase approach, the project provides a platform for participants to explore their identities, understand each other's perspectives, and contribute to a more unified and peaceful society.
The project will provide a legacy of understanding of the Good Friday Agreement, educational content, formation of new meaningful relationships and skills acquisition.
This flagship initiative, delivered under Theme 2: Thriving and Peaceful Communities, is supported by a significant investment of €202,331. It is one of 15 cross-community projects within Sligo’s ambitious €3,603,788 Million PEACEPLUS Local Community PEACE Action Plan. The project will engage 1030 participants including 30 cultural champions and 1000 participating through performances and workshops. The project is a collaborative effort led by the Hawks Well Theatre in Sligo, the Millenium Forum Theatre in Derry/ Londonderry, and the John and Pat Hume Foundation. These organisations have a strong track record of peacebuilding and cultural initiatives. The project management team, consisting of experts in art and peacebuilding, will work closely with two core artists from the North and South.
In association with the launch, The Hawk’s Well Theatre was delighted to welcome artist Raymond Watson and The Hands of History Peace Project, which is a bronze sculpture of hand cats of the negotiators and peacemakers of the Good Friday Agreement. The Hands of History in 2024 has grown to 33 hand casts including figures such as David Trimble, Gerry Adams, Mo Mowlam, Sen. George Mitchell, Lord Chris Patton, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and most recently Emma Little-Pengally.
Speaking at the launch Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Chair of the PEACEPLUS Partnership, Cllr Dónal Gilroy said,
“This project, aptly named, seeks to light the way for young people who didn’t fight for peace, but who are now entrusted with living it, shaping it, and sustaining it. It is a powerful exploration of identity, difference, and belonging — and it is deeply rooted in the creative spirit of our communities.”
The guest speaker was Linda Ervine MBE MRIA who spoke of her experience as an Irish language speaker and advocate from an Ulster Protestant background.
The launch concluded with a screening of the Lyra a powerful documentary about the journalist Lyra McKee.
Left-Right: Kieran Griffiths the Hawk’s Well Theatre with project artists Abbey Oliveria and Bob Kelly.
The GFA for Gen Z – Project Lighthouse is supported by PEACEPLUS; a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)