Take Heart.

This Thursday the 10th, the Take Heart Pop Up takes off. This event, which sees scores of writers and artists across Ireland donate their work to raise funds for the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, began from one tweet. After the outcome of the Belfast Rape Trial and the public furore that followed it artist Ingrid Casey sent a painting of hers into the twittersphere. She wanted to donate it; she wanted to do something. Other artists and writers responded; they wanted to do something too. I asked if The Broken Spiral might do something as well. Fast forward a few weeks, and Take Heart is now a movement supported by some of the leading creators this country homes, including Claire Keegan, Francis O'Toole, Damien Flood, Joseph O'Connor, Conor Horgan, Pauline Bewick, Hugh O'Conor and Nigel Rolfe. As Ruth McKee (one of Take Heart's founders) said in her Irish Times article about the event: "How a movement ignites is unpredictable."

Amy Ni Mhurcu for Take Heart Pop Up.

The art we've received for this event is gorgeous. Prices range from a very manageable 10-15eu to investment pieces. There is something for everyone to come away with and admire and enjoy, and the enjoyment will be all the more sweet knowing the money paid for these pieces of great power and beauty will support some of the most vulnerable people in our society in their darkest moments. 

 Cathal Poirteir for Take Heart Pop Up.

As well as the art and literature for sale, there will be live poetry and short story readings that echo the Spontaneity Take Heart issue - a selection of authors, including myself, will read their published pieces alongside the art their writing is paired with (Kerrie O'Brien's evocative 'Rituals' in my case), making the night an interactive and multi-disciplinary one that shows how dynamic a thing can be when a community unites.

Pauline Bewick for Take Heart Pop Up.

To view and purchase the work and hear the readings, come to:

TAKE HEART POP UP. MAY 10TH. 6PM. BAGOTS HUTTON, 6 ORMOND QUAY UPPER, DUBLIN.