Over recent months, participants have engaged with the theme of self-reflection across a wide range of mediums, from drawing and portraiture in charcoal to the tactile possibilities of textiles and materials. The process has encouraged participants to explore their own identities, to experiment with unconventional approaches, and to discover both the challenges and the pleasures of working with unfamiliar forms.
At the heart of RADE’s practice is the creation of a safe, supportive space where positive social experiences can flourish. Within this environment, participants have had the freedom to test, play, and push boundaries while developing skills and confidence. The works gathered here are the result of that journey: individual expressions of creativity that also speak to the shared experience of a community. This exhibition is a testament not only to the imagination of the participants, but also to the transformative role that art can play in opening new ways of seeing ourselves and the world around us.
RADE takes great pride in the creativity and commitment shown by participants in bringing this body of work to life. Warm thanks are extended to artist Dorothy Smith ARHA and RHA Learning and Public Engagement Curator Ciara Harrison for the guidance and collaboration, and to the RADE staff whose dedication makes this work possible. In keeping with RADE’s ethos, Facing Me, Facing You celebrates not only the artworks on display but also the process behind them – the conversations, experiments, and discoveries that have shaped each piece along the way.
This project was made possible by funding from Dublin City Council Community Development Grant.
RADE Recovery Through Art, Drama and Education engages people in recovery through a range of creative programmes, from visual art and drama to film and writing. By fostering a safe and inclusive space for expression, RADE affirms that creativity is open to all, and that the arts can be transformative in building confidence, connection, and community.
