Connections Arts Centre (CAC) proudly opened its Connecting Artists 2024 Exhibition today (Wednesday, 3rd of July), hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and officiated by broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan. This exhibition marks the culmination of a transformative 10-week online programme designed to empower artists with intellectual disabilities nationwide by providing them with mentorship, professional development, and increased visibility in the arts community. By showcasing the artists’ talents, this exhibition also aims to challenge societal misconceptions and stigma surrounding disability in the arts.
Officially opening the event, Miriam O’Callaghan said; “It is a tremendous honour to be here today celebrating the achievements of these talented artists in this beautiful setting.”
Now in its third year, the Connecting Artists Programme, designed by Miriam Spollen, founder of Connections Arts Centre (CAC), has significantly advanced the careers of participating artists. Since 2022, 30 artists have taken part in the programme. Highlights from the 2022/23 programmes include national exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), which attracted nearly 20,000 visitors, the University of Atypical in Belfast, and Art Source in Cork City Hall. Notable solo exhibitions featured 2023 participants Thomas Higgins at Cavan Library and Matthew Sexton at Bishopstown Library, Cork.
The programme has generated tangible financial benefits for its artists, with 58 individual art sales valued at €9,605 to date, supporting 20 artists. Additionally, artists have facilitated talks and demonstrations at institutions like RHA and Crawford Art Gallery in Cork.
CAC is thrilled to announce continued support from RCSI and RHA, who have committed to hosting future CA exhibitions, talks, and workshops in 2025 and 2026, ensuring sustained exposure and development opportunities for participating artists.
Speaking at the opening, Miriam Spollen says, “Our plan for next year is to support up to 50 artists and have three national exhibitions. To achieve this ambitious goal, additional support, including corporate sponsorship, will be crucial. This will help us harness social inclusion in every county in Ireland and beyond.”
Through increased visibility and recognition within the wider arts community, artists in the programme have experienced significant personal and professional growth. This is exemplified by the achievements of artists such as Thomas Higgins, who overcame personal challenges to showcase his work at a national level in both the RCSI and the RHA gallery.
“We are proud to host this fantastic exhibit. By fostering and encouraging the talent and confidence of these exceptional artists, CAC has created an impactful and enriching programme. The positive impact on the artists, their families, and the broader community is profoundly inspiring, and we are excited to see the ongoing success and expansion of this initiative,” says Liz Hughes, Head of EDI, The Royal College of Surgeons.
Connections Arts Centre adopts a rights-based approach grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). By providing long-term support and visibility, CAC ensures that artists can pursue and be recognised in their artistic careers on an equal footing. CAC seeks partners committed to fostering an inclusive society and supporting the arts as a dynamic force for social change.
Upon completing the programme, participants have the opportunity to join the Connecting Artists Collective, a platform for ongoing support and artistic growth. The Collective facilitates artistic expression, skill-sharing, and collaboration, hosting notable exhibitions at prominent venues like the RSCI and Royal Hibernian Academy. Connections Arts Centre continues to support artists with paid opportunities, including facilitating talks, workshops, and selling their artwork.
Supporting the Connecting Artists Programme means investing in a more diverse and inclusive arts community that enriches everyone. For more details, visit www.connectionsartscentre.ie
Exhibition Details:
When: Wednesday, 3rd July 2024, to Sunday, 7th July 2024
Where: Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin D02 YN77
Entry to the exhibition and workshops/talks is FREE, but advance booking is essential to secure your spot. Book here, https://www.connectionsartscentre.ie/connecting-artists-programme-1
Opening Times:
Wednesday, 3rd July: 3:30pm-5:30pm
Thursday, 4th July: 11:00am-3:00pm
Friday, 5th July: 11:00am-3:00pm
Saturday, 6th July: 11:00am-3:00pm
Sunday, 7th July: 11:00am-3:00pm
Artists’ Demonstrations and Talks:
Thursday, 4th July:
Artist Demonstration: 12:00pm-1:00pm with Artist Kristin Reynado Suniega
Book Here, https://connectionsartscentre.as.me/KristinReynadoSuniegaDemonstration
Friday, 5th July:
Artists Demonstration: 11:00am-12:00pm with Artist Jason Grace
Book Here, https://connectionsartscentre.as.me/JasonGraceDemonstration
Artists Talk: 12:30pm-1:00pm with Artist Joe Hallam
Book Here, https://connectionsartscentre.as.me/JoeHallamTalk
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Note to Editor:
About Connections Arts Centre (CAC): Connections Arts Centre (CAC) is an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to enhancing inclusivity and empowerment for Ireland's disability community. CAC addresses inequalities faced by individuals with disabilities through accessible arts and community education programmes like Creative Transition Year (TY) Connections, Accessibility Training, Connecting Artists Programme & CA Collective, and its Community Arts Centre in Rathgar. Since 2021, CAC has engaged nearly 3,000 participants in Ireland through impactful initiatives that promote personal development and societal integration, and challenge public perceptions of disability. These efforts aim to foster equal opportunities for more inclusive communities. For more information, please visit connectionsartscentre.ie
About Connecting Artists (CA) Programme and CA Collective
The Connecting Artists Programme is an annual national initiative that pairs ten artists with intellectual disabilities with mentors, enhancing their creativity and visibility. It provides platforms
Broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan (centre) is pictured with participating artists (L-R) Michael Hade, Rathfarnham, Richard Hickey, Galway City, Brian Kennedy, Co Wicklow, Tomás Malone, Co Clare, Jason Grace, Tallaght, Rachel Coen, Palmerstown, Kristin Reynado Suniega, Donnybrook, Joe Hallam, Enniskerry, Bradley Farell, Co Sligo, and artist Sarah McNulty's mother, Pamela, Co Cork with their artwork at the opening of the Connecting Artists 2024 Exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Organised by Connections Arts Centre (CAC), this exhibition is the culmination of a transformative 10-week online programme designed by CAC to empower artists with intellectual disabilities. The programme, now in its third year, enhances professional development and visibility in the arts community while challenging societal misconceptions about disability. For more information, visit connectionsartscentre.ie.
