New Luisne Art Project exhibition celebrates 21 years of creativity in Mayo
Ballinrobe-based arts and disability initiative will showcase artists’ work at the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park
An arts and disability project based in Ballinrobe will celebrate 21 years of creativity and inclusion with the launch of an exhibition and accompanying book at Turlough Park next month.
Minister Dara Calleary, will officially launch the Luisne Art Project exhibition and book at the Courtyard Gallery on Friday, November 13, at 2pm.
The project is a nationally recognised arts programme that has provided opportunities for people with disabilities attending the Crann Mór Centre in Ballinrobe to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills for more than two decades.
The exhibition will showcase work created by Luisne’s artists. The accompanying book will document the project’s creative journey through artwork and reflections.
Minister Calleary has contributed to the publication, reflecting on the importance of creativity and disability arts in building inclusive communities.
“I believe that the arts, disability, and creativity play a vital role in building inclusive, healthy, and vibrant communities by empowering individuals, challenging social barriers, and enriching collective culture,” he writes.
He also highlights the importance of giving artists opportunities to exhibit their work publicly.
“When someone sees their work displayed in a gallery it’s more than just validation; it’s a reminder of their capability and talent. It’s proof that they have something meaningful to contribute to the world,” he writes.
These principles set the Luisne Art Project’s approach, which places artistic expression and the individual artist at the centre of its work.
The exhibition launch will celebrate not only the artists and their work but also the families, supporters and wider community who have helped sustain the project over the years.
Members of the public, artists and arts organisations are invited to attend the event at the Courtyard Gallery at the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park in Castlebar, on Friday, November 13, at 2pm.
Luisne Art Project is supported by Mayo County Council Arts Service, Western Care Association and UPSTART, an initiative of Mayo County Council’s Arts Service.