Applications now open for the
2025 Connecting Artists Programme
The Connecting Artists Programme is an initiative designed for adult visual artists, who want to take the next step to develop their creative practice and exhibit and sell their work. Our mission through the Connecting Artists Programme is to specifically support artists who face challenges or barriers in accessing formal and informal art education and supports.
Applications are open to adult visual artists from all 32 counties of Ireland, including both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Find out more below and apply today. Artist Applications close Friday 31st January 2025
The Connecting Artists Programme:
Is a 10 week online programme is designed for adult visual artists who identify as being neurodivergent or are living with an intellectual disabilities, who wish to develop their professional and creative practice.
10 Artists selected from across all 32 counties of Ireland.
The programme connects artists with skilled facilitators, and partner mentors and is currently open for 2D artwork (like painting, drawing, and collage) is accepted. Photography is not currently accepted.
Through the immersive and supportive environment artists explore their art through demonstrations and workshops and engaging with one another.
The course culminates with a national exhibition at the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, allowing the artists to meet in person and showcase their incredible work.
With the support of the Connections Arts Centre team, the artists learn about key areas to developing themselves as professional artists.
See below for application, criteria, and application guidelines.
Artists Open Call
Artists Application Form
If you are an adult artist who identifies as neurodivergent or having an intellectual disability or supporting an artist to apply. Please click the button below to fill out the application form.
As part of the application you will be required to email 5 labeled images of original artwork to CA@connectionsartscentre.ie
Applications close Friday 31st January. If you have any questions of need support please email CA@connectionsartscentre.ie
Plain Text Version of Application Form
Click the button below to view and download a plain text version of the application form. To apply using the plain text application form, please email completed form and 5 labeled images of original artwork to CA@connectionsartscentre.ie.
Guidelines and criteria for applicants
Click the button below to view and download a plain text document outlining the guidelines and eligibility for applying to the Connecting Artists Programme and an overview of the processing and assessment of applications.
Mentor Open Call
Mentor Application Information
As part of the programme each artists is partnered with a volunteer mentor for the 10 week online programme. Each mentor and artists pair will engage in up to 1 hour phone calls/zoom calls each week. The mentorship partnership is an integral part of the Connecting Artstis Programme and supports the aritsts journey through the workshops and preparing for the exhibition at the RCSI.
If you interested in applying to become a volunteer mentor for our Connecting Artists programme, we are hosting zoom information calls on the following dates:
Please click the button below to register to attend a call. If you have questions of need support please email CA@connectionsartscentre.ie
CA24 artists with Miriam O’Callaghan at the CA exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons.
About the Connecting Artists Programme:
The Connecting Artists Programme is an initiative designed for adult visual artists, who want to take the next step to develop their creative practice and exhibit and sell their work. Our mission through the Connecting Artists Programme is to specifically support artists who face challenges or barriers in accessing formal and informal art education and supports.
10 Artists living are selected nationwide for a 10 week online programme, designed to elevate their art and prepare them for exhibiting and even selling their work. The online programme connects artists from across Ireland, skilled facilitators, and partner mentors. Through the immersive and supportive environment provided by the programme, the incredibly talented artists explore their art through demonstrations and workshops and engaging with one another; and with the support of the Connections Arts Centre team, learn about key areas in developing themselves as professional artists.
The course culminates with an exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, allowing the artists to meet in person and showcase their incredible work.
Watch this short video to learn more about the Connecting Artists Programme and hear from some of the artists:
After the programme finishes, the artists are invited to join the Connecting Artists Collective; a dynamic online hub that promotes artistic exploration and collaboration, both within the disability community and broader society. This unique space allows artists to express their individuality and cultural identity, showcasing and selling their work. Find out more about the Collective by clicking the button below.
Connecting Artists 2024 Exhibition
The Connecting Artists Programme culminates in a national exhibition at the stunning College Hall in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin 2.
This remarkable exhibition showcases the artwork of 10 talented artists. During the exhibition attendees have the opportunity to join workshops and talks featuring artists and mentors, view artwork from the artists from across Ireland, and even purchase artworks. You can a gallery of images from the 2024 exhibition featuring the 2024 artists; Joe Hallam, Kristin Reynado Suniega, Brian Kennedy, Tomás Malone, Rachel Coen, Michael Hade, Jason Grace, Sarah McNulty, Richard Hickey, and Bradley Farrell, carefully selected from talented artists nationwide.
View images from the event in the gallery below. Click the arrows on each side to scroll through images.
What people have had to say about the programme…..
“I see art all the time but I’ve been bowled over today by the standard of your work.”
-Miriam O’Callaghan, TV & Radio Broadcast Journalist at RTÉ
“I am loving the group!! I really am enjoying this group everyone is so nice! I love how I can be myself around them even though they are strangers. Their art work is amazing, it is so nice to be in a group where I feel that I am in the right place. Thanks for a great day 😊”
-Amy Begley, Artist, Cork
“I really enjoyed the experience. It was great being with other people on Zoom being creative. I got ideas from other members of the group which I might try myself. I also enjoyed my chance at teaching and introducing people to my artwork. I loved working towards the exhibition.”
-David Singleton, Artist, Dublin
“From the moment she was selected, Amy immediately understood what an honour it was, and that Connecting Artists was a platform on which her role was to represent people with disability by showing what they can achieve.
The Exhibition itself was a thrill for all of us who know and love her: but, here Amy surprised us, confidently representing herself, discussing the artwork and proving that disability was no barrier to achievement. Similarly, in promotional and podcast interviews she was able to articulate what an enriching experience that Connecting Artists ‘22 has been. An appearance on Galway Bay FM, photographs in the national dailies, and articles in both local newspapers, have made her a minor celebrity in Mountbellew as people shower Amy with congratulations on this achievement. ……..To Miriam Spollen and your entire team, sincerest thanks for this ground-breaking opening to artists with disability. Not only have you enhanced the richness of Amy's life, but you have enriched ours too: because we have had to stand back and watch our little girl become the role model and inspiration that she always wants to be.
-Joe & Evelyn Clarke, Mountbellew, Co Galway
“The positive impact that this initiative has had on its participants, families and all who have attended the exhibition is inspiring. By focusing on nurturing and encouraging the artists’ talent and confidence, Connections Art Centre have created something very special for the Disability Community.”
-Liz Hughes, Head of EDI at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Inspired by what you have seen?
Click button below to purchase original artwork and prints from Connecting Artists Participants and Connecting Artists Collective Artists.