Tracy Cummins – Henrietta Adult & Community Education
For Tracy Cummins, community education has never just been about taking a class. It has been about discovering opportunities, building confidence, creating connections, and bringing people together through a shared passion.
As a learner with HACE and a long-time participant in community education, Tracy has turned a love of creativity into something much bigger: an inclusive community filmmaking movement that welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
A Lifelong Learner
After completing her Leaving Certificate, Tracy pursued a Higher National Diploma in Journalism before undertaking filmmaking studies at Marino College. Like many adult learners, she made work, caring responsibilities, and family commitments her priority. Today she balances part-time work with caring responsibilities for both her teenage son and her mother, while continuing to engage in learning opportunities.
Returning to a Passion
The spark that reignited Tracy’s filmmaking journey came from her son, who asked if they could make a film together. What began as a fun project filmed on her phone quickly reignited a passion that had been lying dormant for years.
Tracy’s journey demonstrates the power of adaptability. Rather than being discouraged by challenges, limited resources, or gaps in experience, she embraced every obstacle as an opportunity to learn. Each project became a steppingstone, helping her build new skills, confidence, and networks.
The Power of Community Education
A major turning point came when Tracy joined the drama programme at HACE. Now in her third year, she credits the programme with helping her grow in confidence and find a welcoming community where learners are respected, valued, and encouraged.
For Tracy, community education creates spaces where people can participate at their own pace. There is no pressure, only encouragement. It is this supportive environment that enables people to discover talents they may never have realised they had.
Inclusion in Action
Inclusion is at the heart of everything Tracy does. Her filmmaking projects bring together people from diverse backgrounds, including people with additional needs, older adults, people experiencing isolation and those looking for a sense of belonging.
She believes everyone has something valuable to contribute. Whether it is a person with autism, a community member recovering from difficult circumstances, or someone simply looking for friendship and connection, Tracy makes sure there is a place for them.
Creating Community Through Creativity
What started as a filmmaking project has evolved into a vibrant community network. With support from HACE, An Síol and other community organisations, Tracy has created a space where people meet regularly, share ideas, read scripts and work together on creative projects.
Her feature film Killer Baps premiered at Dublin’s Savoy Cinema and was showcased during the Stoneybatter Festival. Yet Tracy measures success not by screenings or premieres, but by the connections that are created along the way.
Her work demonstrates the true power of community: bringing people together, building friendships, reducing isolation and creating opportunities for participation.
Looking Ahead
Tracy is currently developing a new comedy mini-series while continuing to write, direct, produce, edit and perform in her projects. Her story highlights how community education can unlock potential, support personal growth and strengthen communities.
Through determination, creativity and a commitment to inclusion, Tracy has built something far greater than a filmmaking project. She has created a community.
Her journey reminds us that when people are supported to learn, participate and belong, extraordinary things can happen.
Tracy recently celebrated the launch of her latest film, Killer Baps, with a premiere screening at the Savoy Cinema in Dublin. You can watch the official trailer on YouTube here
