Meet the Connecting Artists 2023
Click on the image for each artist to read a bit about them and their experience on the programme
Niamh Eldridge
Keith Finneran
Samuel Hilliard
Libby Hendrick
Clement Yang
Mark Buckley
Jennifer Humphreys
Matthew Sexton
Jessica Londi
Thomas Higgins
About the Connecting Artists Programme
The Connecting Artists is a programme designed for visual artists with intellectual disabilities who wish to develop their creative practice. 10 Artists living with intellectual disabilities are selected nationwide for a 10-week online program 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, engage 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 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:
After the programme finishes, the artists are invited to join the CA Collective; a dynamic online hub that promotes artistic exploration and collaboration, both within the disability community and the 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:
The Exhibition
Our ten amazing participants exhibited their work at the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) from Sunday 16th of July until Tuesday 18th of July.
We saw over 300 attendees across the 3-day exhibition; which included attendees from all across Ireland. We were honoured to have Irish television broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan participate in the exhibition, give her time to meet the artists, and launch the opening of the event, with an inspiring introduction.
Part of our mission is to change the perception and visibility of people with disabilities in our communities. What could be a better way to do this than to be able to showcase the work of our fantastic Connecting Artists 2023. Through the immersive and supportive environment provided by the programme, these incredibly talented artists had the opportunity to explore their art, learn from one another, and prepare to exhibit and sell their exceptional work.
Watch the video below to learn more about our 2023 artists journey
Video about the Connecting Artists 2023 Programme
Image Gallery
View the Connecting Artists 2023 participants’ amazing artwork and photos from the exhibition below. Use the arrows on either side of the image to scroll through the images.
What people 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 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
“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
“Form 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 CA Collective Artists