Tribute to Dr. Shelley Tracey
Dr. Shelley Tracey has recently concluded her remarkable tenure with the Community Arts Partnership (CAP), leaving behind a legacy of creativity, dedication, and profound impact on the community.
Dr. Tracey, a distinguished educator and poet, has had a prolific career characterised by her commitment to adult education, community arts, and creative expression. With a rich academic background that includes an MA in English Literature, an MEd in Adult Education, and a PhD from Queen’s University Belfast, she has continually demonstrated her dedication to the advancement of education and the arts.
Educational and Professional Accomplishments
Dr. Tracey’s journey in education began in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she earned her BA (Hons.) in English and her H. Dip. Ed. with distinction. She continued her academic pursuit in Northern Ireland, where she settled and started family life. She furthered her studies and educational development through her innovative teaching methods. As a Teaching Fellow and Programme Coordinator at Queen’s University Belfast, she played a pivotal role in the Essential Skills programme there, helping to shape the future of adult education in Northern Ireland.
Her work extended beyond traditional education. Shelly’s been involved with various organisations, such as the Learning and Skills Research Network and the All Ireland Society for Higher Education. She is of course also a Poetry Therapy Practitioner and Chair of the Irish Poetry Therapy Network. All this underscores her dedication to research and practical application in the field of adult literacy, education and the restorative power of poetry.
Creative Contributions
Shelley’s passion for poetry and creative writing is evident through her extensive portfolio of published works and her active participation in the literary community. Her poems have been featured in numerous anthologies and journals, reflecting themes of migration, identity, and the human experience. Notably, she received the Minority Ethnic Artist Award from the Arts Council Northern Ireland for her poetry project on women and migration.
Her creative endeavours took her to CAP, some 12 years ago, facilitating poetry workshops on our Poetry in Motion Schools programme, contributing to community arts projects, and organising events that promote the arts. Her work coordinating Poetry in Motion in Schools and Community and the concomitant Seamus Heaney Awards since 2018, has further helped inspire many and undoubtedly has helped foster a greater appreciation for creative expression across schools and community writers’ groups across the country.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Dr. Tracey’s departure from CAP marks the end of a significant chapter for us and indeed for Shelley, but her influence will undoubtedly continue to resonate. Her work has empowered countless individuals, encouraging them to explore their creative potential and engage with the arts in meaningful ways. Her legacy is one of inspiration, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the community learning and art-making. Her abilities as a therapist continue to be supported by CAP and we hope to continue to enjoy the work of Shelley Tracey for many years to come.
As Dr. Tracey embarks on the next phase of her journey with her family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her invaluable contributions and wish her continued success in all her future endeavours. Her calm and indefatigable presence at CAP will be deeply missed, but her impact will be felt for many years to come.
All the best Shelley from all staff, volunteers and trustees.
