Call for Dublin Artists: Applications Open for the Connecting Artists 2025 Programme
Supporting Neurodivergent Artists and Artists with Intellectual Disabilities Nationwide
Connections Arts Centre, a social enterprise supporting the disability community in Ireland, has announced the open call for its Connecting Artists 2025 Programme, inviting applications from adult artists in Dublin and across Ireland who identify as neurodivergent or are living with an intellectual disability. This national programme is designed to support artists who face barriers in accessing traditional art education and resources, helping them advance their creative practice, exhibit, and sell their work.
The Connecting Artists Programme selects ten artists from across the island of Ireland each year to participate in a transformative 10-week online course. The programme provides a nurturing, professional, and inclusive environment, culminating in a prestigious exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Sarah mcnulty, Matthew Sexton Jennifer Humphries and Amy Begley
Dublin has seen past participants in the programme, including David Singleton from Kilmainham, who took part in 2022; Samuel Hillard and Jason Grace, both from Tallaght, who participated in 2024; Kristin Reynado-Suniega from Donnybrook, who also took part in 2024; Clement Yang from Ballsbridge, who participated in 2023; and Michael Hade from Rathfarnham, along with Rachel Coen from Palmerstown, who joined in 2024.
Participants will receive mentorship, attend online workshops, engage in demonstrations, and collaborate in peer discussions—all tailored to boost their artistic skills and professional confidence. The programme is focused on artists working in 2D mediums such as painting, drawing, and collage.
Miriam Spollen, founder of Connections Arts Centre and creator of the programme, says, “Our mission through the Connecting Artists Programme is to support adult artists who face challenges in accessing formal and informal art education. Since its inception three years ago, the programme has supported 30 artists with paid opportunities, including workshops, talks, and sales of their artwork. Individual art sales have reached a value of €14,130 a testament to the programme’s impact and reach.”
How to Apply
Interested artists are encouraged to visit www.connectionsartscentre.ie to review the application guidelines and eligibility criteria. The programme is open to artists from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Key Dates
Application Deadline: Friday, 31st January 2025
Programme Start Date: March 2025 (exact date TBD)
For more information, visit connectionsartscentre.ie, or follow @connectionsartscentre on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for updates. #ConnectingArtists2025
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About Connections Arts Centre
Connections Arts Centre (CAC) founded by its CEO, Miriam Spollen, is a social enterprise championing art, heritage, and cultural activities for the disability community in Ireland. Built on the pillars of Creativity, Community, and Change, CAC actively challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusivity for artists with disabilities.
Based in Rathgar, Dublin, CAC is dedicated to creating a positive social impact by championing arts, lifestyle, and educational programmes that bridge educational gaps, counteract devaluation, and promote inclusivity for people with disabilities.
For more information, visit connectionsartscentre.ie
