Ten artists from around the country showcase their work at prestigious RCSI event
By Brian Bowe
The Connecting Artists 2024 exhibition took place this past July, showcasing a rich variety of talent. It’s part of a wonderful initiative that looks to empower visual artists with intellectual disabilities who wish to collaborate with fellow artists to enhance their creative skills. Ten artists living with disabilities were chosen from across the country to participate in a ten-week online program aimed at advancing their art and equipping them for exhibition and potential sales of their work.
Miriam O’Callaghan at this year’s Connecting Artist’s exhibition
“As we enter the third year of the Connecting Artists programme, the dedication of our ten wonderful mentors and the collaboration with the RCSI Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit remain crucial,” said Miriam Spollen, founder of Connections Arts Centre. “We are thrilled to see the 2024 participants’ fantastic artwork exhibited at a national level. The consistent support from the public, both business and community, has been incredible and continues to inspire us.”
It’s great to see the support these artists are getting, many of whom have never gotten the chance to show off their art, especially at this scale. The organisers’ meticulous attention to detail in curating and staging the exhibition was evident. The choice of the Royal College of Surgeons’ College Hall as the venue really added to the occasion, with its ornate decorative ceiling and three magnificent glass-domed windows bathing the space in warm, natural light.
I was in attendance during an insightful artist workshop, one of three free demonstrations taking place across the week-long event. Donnybrook artist Kristin Reynado Suniega painted a new work while taking questions from the audience in what soon became a lovely and loose group discussion, full of curiosity and encouragement.
Inspired by her family’s hometown in the Philippines and the work of legendary post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh, Kristin’s work evokes a sense of playful wonder while retaining a strong feeling of familiarity.
“Art has been a place of comfort for me and it helps me to relax,” says Kristin. “The Connecting Artists Programme community has given me the opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and be part of a community that truly understands me.”
Niamh Eldridge-Barry, a 26-year-old artist from Co. Kildare, who was selected for the Connecting Artists Programme last year, served as Kristin’s mentor this time around, crafting weekly art sessions and fostering a friendship rooted in a shared passion.
The sense of community I experienced during my brief visit left a lasting impression on me. The initiative is a true inspiration, manifesting a profound and immeasurable positive impact on its participants and their families. It’s a safe space that gives people the opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives, collaborate and explore new ideas. On top of that, it underscores the significance of nurturing artistic growth within underrepresented communities. Such programmes not only empower individuals to express themselves but also contribute to the cultural enrichment and diversity of the broader artistic landscape.
