Kildare artist set to make history at Royal Hibernian of Arts (RHA) in Dublin
Niamh Eldridge Barry is part of a groundbreaking group of artists
Talented 24-year-old local artist, Niamh Eldridge Barry is set to make history as one of 14 artists with intellectual disabilities exhibiting at the Royal Hibernian of Arts (RHA) in Dublin.
The exhibition is currently running until April 28. Niamh’s journey, marked by resilience and artistic talent, will be on display at the RHA as part of the Connecting Artists (CA) Collective, a groundbreaking group of artists living with intellectual disabilities.
This inaugural exhibition is organised by Connections Arts Centre (CAC), a social enterprise supporting the disability community in Ireland.
CAC founded by Miriam Spollen is dedicated to creating a positive social impact by championing arts, lifestyle, and educational programs that bridge educational gaps, counteract devaluation, and promote inclusivity for people with disabilities.
Niamh, who hails from Rathmore, expressed her pride in exhibiting at such a prestigious venue.
"Being part of the CA Collective exhibition at the RHA is a dream come true. I am thrilled to showcase my work alongside other talented artists, and it’s a significant moment for artists with intellectual disabilities like myself.”
Miriam designed the Connecting Artists programme, the precursor to the CA Collective, to assist visual artists with intellectual disabilities in refining their artistic skills.
Established in 2022, the Connecting Artists programme annually supports 10 artists with intellectual disabilities from around the county.
This dynamic online initiative fosters their artistic development. The success of the programme led to the formation of the CA Collective, representing a continued commitment by Connections Arts Centre to empower artists within the disability community.
To celebrate the exhibition, Connections Arts Centre is hosting exclusive artist conversations, demonstrations, and gallery tours on select Wednesdays, in partnership with the RHA.
These artists’ conversations and demonstrations will be hosted by artists from the Connecting Artists Collective. They will be sharing their experiences as artists and speaking about their artwork.
Admission is free. After the conversations, visitors can also sign up for a private guided tour of the RHA to view and learn about the art on display in the gallery.
The exhibition not only celebrates the artistic expression but also serves as a testament to the transformative power of art in the disability community.
CEO, and Founder of Connections Arts Centre, Miriam highlighted the importance of such exhibitions.
"The CA Collective exhibition is a milestone for artists like Niamh. It’s not just an art display; it’s a statement about the richness and diversity of artistic talent within the disability community. We’re proud to provide a platform for these artists to shine.”
For more details about the exhibition and the artists, visit connectionsartscentre.ie.