Creative Communities

Creative Communities presents a series of socially engaged art projects created by students from the National College of Art and Design as part of the Studio Plus Dublin 8 Neighbourhood Residency Programme, in collaboration with local community groups in Dublin 8. Creative Communities reflect the value of collaboration, shared experience and community-led art making. The residency is supported by Create, national agency developing collaborative art in Ireland.

The Language of Small Things, by Emily Lindsay, developed with participants of The Integration Programme at The Liberties Project, explores themes of culture and belonging through walking and conversation. The work presents a collective response to these shared experiences.

Stitching Stories, by Sophie Conroy, created with women studying on the hair and beauty course at The Bridge Project, brings together personal histories and shared experiences through a textile artwork. A hairdressing gown forms the centrepiece, incorporating designed and stitched fabric panels that reflect themes of home, family and friendship.

Our Senses, Our Story, by Carla Jones and Hethie Gillian Evans, in collaboration with staff and community members at Saint John of God High Support Services, Islandbridge, responds to ‘no touch’ policies in galleries and museums. The resulting interactive sculptural sensory wall explores how familiar textures, visuals and sounds can have a calming effect.

Unique Experiences, by Georgia Bourke, created with children from The Liberties Afterschool Club, places children’s voices and ideas at the centre of the work, presenting a series of artworks developed through their participation.

Touch, Listen and Soothe, by Kate Giddens, also developed with children from The Liberties Project Afterschool Club, explores sensory needs through the creation of a tactile sensory book for use within the group.

The Togetherness Garden, by Ella O’Bourke, in collaboration with the Community Garden at The Liberties Project, is a sculptural work that explores the archiving of plant life through a flower pressing process.

Craft in Commemoration, by Eve Lawlor, created with The Robert Emmet History Group, presents textile works that commemorate Robert Emmet while celebrating community relationships.

Have You Heard About Mary?, by Charlotte Meagher, developed with a range of groups connected to The Liberties Project, explores themes of quiet resilience through poetry, portrait drawing and photography.