Clowns Without Borders Ireland is born out of Irish performers who wish to use their skills and humour to help and support individuals and communities that suffer some kind of crisis. We are indepted to the work of other CWBs branches throughout the world.
History
Clowns Without Borders was founded in Barcelona in July 1993. The idea began when Tortell Poltrona, a professional clown in Spain, was invited to perform in a refugee camp in Croatia. This performance unexpectedly attracted audiences of more than 700 children, proving to Poltrona that there can be a great need and appreciation for clowns and entertainment in crisis situations. He founded Clowns Without Borders to offer humor as a means of psychological support to communities that have suffered trauma.
CWB Grows
Another project was organized for May of 1993, and this time two more artists, Boni & Caroli, accompanied Tortell Poltrona, traveling and peforming in the refugee camps in Croatia. What followed was a wave of performers and shows traveling to the ex-Yugoslavia region from Spain. Soon Clowns Without Borders organizations sprung up in France, Sweden and the USA. The CWB movement expanded into other areas of conflict, from the Western Sahara, to Israel/Palestine, to Columbia and other countries throughout Central America. By the year 2000, over one hundred expeditions had been launched.
CWB Around the World
Clowns Without Borders blossomed from there and have now Clowns Without Borders organizations in nine countries (Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, South Africa, Canada and the United States) we hope to work together to send one hundred projects throughout the world each year.
CWB IRELAND IS BORN
Clowns Without Borders Ireland developed initially out of the experience had by Jonathan Gunning with CWB USA‘s missions to South Africa in “Project Njabulo” November 2004 and January 2006.
The 2004 expedition to South Africa was Clowns Without Borders first mission to the region. “Project Njabulo” performed for over 3,500 orphans affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis, working with 16 different local community aid organizations traveling over 5,000 miles through Mpumalanga, KwaZulu/Natal, the Free State, Lesotho, and the Western Cape.
In January 2006 CWB USA returned with a heavier Irish contingent, accompanying American Sarah Liane Foster were the Irish trio of Jonathan Gunning, Patrick Gunning, and Bryan Quinn.
The trip took the form of two residencies and numerous school performances for over 3000 children.
The primary goal for this Project Njabulo mission was to provide psychosocial support for children affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis.
In October 2006, the Irish finally took the bull by the horns when they undertook a project to Nepal in association with UNHCR. Working primarily with the Bhutanese refugees in Damak, Jonathan Gunning (project leader) Sam Meyler (co-ordinator), and Colm O’Grady (boss clown) performed for over 18,000 children throughout Nepal.
After this very successful project Clowns Without Borders Ireland was formally co-founded by Jonathan Gunning and Colm O’Grady in 2007 and accepted as a legitimate CWB chapter by the 8 existing partners.
Since then CWB Ireland has grown with the aid of administrator, Margot Doherty and the strong support of volunteers, performers and the hardworking board, the organization continues to strive to bring laughter and humour to children and people in areas of crisis.
Since 2006 CWB Ireland have performed and brought joy and laughter to children and their carers in Somalia, Uganda, Lesotho, Nepal and have played numerous times in South Africa, Palestine and Israel and of course in our own back yard- Mosney, Ireland.
CWB Ireland is open to new volunteers and professional performers who are based in Ireland. If you wish to contact or support us in achieving our goal to spread smiles on more faces please feel free.
About us
Clowns Without Borders Ireland is born out of Irish performers who wish to use their skills and humour to help and support individuals and communities that suffer some kind of crisis. We are indepted to the work of other CWBs branches throughout the world.
History
Clowns Without Borders was founded in Barcelona in July 1993. The idea began when Tortell Poltrona, a professional clown in Spain, was invited to perform in a refugee camp in Croatia. This performance unexpectedly attracted audiences of more than 700 children, proving to Poltrona that there can be a great need and appreciation for clowns and entertainment in crisis situations. He founded Clowns Without Borders to offer humor as a means of psychological support to communities that have suffered trauma.
CWB Grows
Another project was organized for May of 1993, and this time two more artists, Boni & Caroli, accompanied Tortell Poltrona, traveling and peforming in the refugee camps in Croatia. What followed was a wave of performers and shows traveling to the ex-Yugoslavia region from Spain. Soon Clowns Without Borders organizations sprung up in France, Sweden and the USA. The CWB movement expanded into other areas of conflict, from the Western Sahara, to Israel/Palestine, to Columbia and other countries throughout Central America. By the year 2000, over one hundred expeditions had been launched.
CWB Around the World
Clowns Without Borders blossomed from there and have now Clowns Without Borders organizations in nine countries (Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, South Africa, Canada and the United States) we hope to work together to send one hundred projects throughout the world each year.
Clowns Without Borders Ireland developed initially out of the experience had by Jonathan Gunning with CWB USA‘s missions to South Africa in “Project Njabulo” November 2004 and January 2006.
The 2004 expedition to South Africa was Clowns Without Borders first mission to the region. “Project Njabulo” performed for over 3,500 orphans affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis, working with 16 different local community aid organizations traveling over 5,000 miles through Mpumalanga, KwaZulu/Natal, the Free State, Lesotho, and the Western Cape.
In January 2006 CWB USA returned with a heavier Irish contingent, accompanying American Sarah Liane Foster were the Irish trio of Jonathan Gunning, Patrick Gunning, and Bryan Quinn.
The trip took the form of two residencies and numerous school performances for over 3000 children.
The primary goal for this Project Njabulo mission was to provide psychosocial support for children affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis.
In October 2006, the Irish finally took the bull by the horns when they undertook a project to Nepal in association with UNHCR. Working primarily with the Bhutanese refugees in Damak, Jonathan Gunning (project leader) Sam Meyler (co-ordinator), and Colm O’Grady (boss clown) performed for over 18,000 children throughout Nepal.
After this very successful project Clowns Without Borders Ireland was formally co-founded by Jonathan Gunning and Colm O’Grady in 2007 and accepted as a legitimate CWB chapter by the 8 existing partners.
Since then CWB Ireland has grown with the aid of administrator, Margot Doherty and the strong support of volunteers, performers and the hardworking board, the organization continues to strive to bring laughter and humour to children and people in areas of crisis.
Since 2006 CWB Ireland have performed and brought joy and laughter to children and their carers in Somalia, Uganda, Lesotho, Nepal and have played numerous times in South Africa, Palestine and Israel and of course in our own back yard- Mosney, Ireland.
CWB Ireland is open to new volunteers and professional performers who are based in Ireland. If you wish to contact or support us in achieving our goal to spread smiles on more faces please feel free.
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