Exhibiting artists; Mark Buckley, Amy Clarke, Rachel Coen, Rachel Connell, Bearnard Durnin, Niamh Eldridge-Barry, Jason Grace, Michael Hade, Joe Hallam, John Heavey, Richard Hickey, Thomas Higgins, Samuel Hillard, Jennifer Humphreys, Pamela Kavanaugh, Peter Kehoe, Brian Kennedy, Ava Lawlor, Tomás Malone, Eval Mcloughlin, Sarah McNulty, Matthew Sexton, David Singleton, Marta Soltysek, Jenny Stafford, Alan Tarpey, Claudia Williams, Clement Yang.
The CA Collective exhibition at the RHA marks the third annual exhibition by the CA Collective. The CA Collective is a vital arm of the Connections Arts Centre (CAC), a social enterprise and non-profit dedicated to empowering the disability community in Ireland through art, creativity, and community education.
CAC’s ethos is built on three foundational pillars: Creativity, Community, and Change. These pillars not only guide the organisation but also deeply influence the works and initiatives of the CA Collective.
The Collective itself is an offshoot of the Connecting Artists Programme, an annual, innovative online initiative that connects artists from across Ireland, skilled facilitators, and partner mentors. Through the immersive and supportive environment provided by the programme, the artists explore their art through demonstrations and workshops and engaging with one another; and with the support of the Connections Arts Centre team, learn about key areas in developing themselves as professional artists.
The Collective emerged from the desire to maintain the bond and continue the artistic growth of individuals who completed the Connecting Artists Programme. CAC provides a platform for collaboration, skill-sharing, and creative growth, supporting the artists to develop their practice and showcase their work. This unique space allows artists to express their individuality and cultural identity through exhibitions, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The Collective fosters inclusivity in the arts and empowers members to reach new audiences.
The exhibition at the RHA is a testament to CAC’s commitment to supporting these artists, offering them a platform to exhibit their work and actively engage in the wider arts community. The opportunity to present their work at the RHA signifies a significant step in their artistic journey, contributing to a shift in societal perceptions of artists who have intellectual disabilities or who are neurodivergent. Each RHA exhibition has served as a catalyst, transforming views on the value and importance of artists with intellectual disabilities or who are neurodivergent.
About Connecting Artists Collective:
The Connecting Artists Collective, an extension of the Connecting Artists Programme, represents CAC’s commitment to continuous engagement and support for visual artists who are neurodivergent or have intellectual disabilities. This Collective offers an inclusive, nurturing environment where artists and mentors collaborate, share skills, and forge connections. It’s a hub of personal and creative development, mentorship, and commercial opportunities for unique, original artwork. Emphasising equality with a flat hierarchy, currently the Collective includes 31 artists, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment.
Connections Arts Centre (CAC) stands as a beacon of support and empowerment for the disability community in Ireland. As a social enterprise and non-profit organisation, its mission is to champion art, creativity, cultural activities, and community education that bridge gaps, counteract devaluation, and promote inclusivity for artists with disabilities.
CAC operates on three guiding principles: Creativity, Community, and Change, which are the bedrock of all its endeavours.
CAC strives to instigate societal change by dismantling stereotypes and elevating creative individuals within the disability community. Its focus extends beyond mere representation to actively challenge prevailing misconceptions. CAC takes pride in showcasing the talents of artists with disabilities, providing them with the necessary support to develop their practice and achieve professional recognition.
The Connecting Artists Collective, an extension of the Connecting Artists Programme, represents CAC’s commitment to continuous engagement and support for visual artists who are neurodivergent or have intellectual disabilities. This Collective offers an inclusive, nurturing environment where artists and mentors collaborate, share skills, and forge connections. It’s a hub of personal and creative development, mentorship, and commercial opportunities for unique, original artwork. Emphasising equality with a flat hierarchy, currently the Collective includes 31 artists, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment.
Images: 01. CA25 Collective Artists.
02. Alan Tarpey
03. Bearnard Durnin
04. Claudia Williams
05. Jenny Humphreys
06. Joe Hallam
07. Niamh Eldridge-Barry
08. Thomas Higgins
09. Tomás Malone
Instagram: @connectionsartscentre
Facebook: @connectionsartcentre
Linked In: @connections-arts-centre
#CACatRHA
