One Million Stars to End Violence
Let's weave stars together on May 7th
One Million Stars Ireland is part of the global One Billion Stars project, founded in Australia in 2012 by artist Maryann Talia Pau after the rape and murder of an Irish woman living in Melbourne.
The project was brought to Ireland by Art Therapist Siobhan McQuillan and Amber Women’s Refuge.
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, in association with Offaly Local Development Company will be holding a star weaving workshop on May 7th, 2022
One Million Stars to End Violence - How does it work?
The project brings people in a creative capacity, which can boost both individual and community wellbeing, while raising awareness and highlighting the global issue of violence. The 8 pointed star is a symbol of light, courage, hope and solidarity to end all forms of violence, including violence against women, bullying and racism.
In November 2021, Offaly Local Development Company registered as a star-weaving community and have hosted many star-weaving events since. With close to 200 stars woven to date, their efforts are slowly helping the global project to reach its target of one billion by 2032.
In light of the recent murder of Ashling Murphy, this event is raising funds to support her local Comhaltas. Music was a huge part of Ashling’s life, both playing and teaching. Funds raised through this event will assist Ballyboy Comhaltas in purchasing more instruments for their music bank – an initiative that ensures access to musical instruments for all children.
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One Million Stars
Improving mental health
Weaving stars is a cross cultural and cross-generational activity with benefits that extend beyond supporting the end of violence:
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Weaving workshops promote mental health well-being through the use of art as therapy.
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Taking part in a creative activity lowers cortisol levels (weavers get a release of endorphins with every star that is completed).
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Being part of a community and working towards a shared goal promotes resilience and reduces the effects of isolation.
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New studies in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh suggest that learning and mastering a new skill builds new synaptic connectivity, generating new neural activity patterns. Meaning that participating in the art of weaving is good for your brain health!
When you join our star weaving community you do it for other but also for yourself!
How to weave a star:
Weaving a star is easy... well, easier than you think. there are only a few steps and we have created agreat video to follow.
All you need is 4 long, narrow strands of paper or ribbons (about 2cm wide and 30cm long).
It can be any material, the more colourful the better!
Once you have your ribbons, follow these 3 simple steps:
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Make the square body in the centre of the star.
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Weave the first 4 points
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Flip the star over to complete the last 4 points.
Take a look at the video and practice!
Join us on
Saturday, 7th May - 2pm
We will be holding a weaving workshop from 2pm to 3.30pm on Saturday the 7th of May.
No need to book, just turn up and we will be weaving together.
If you have practiced with our video tutorial, then bring us your stars, we will add them to the tally and get us a step closer to one million stars
