Kildare artist presents her artwork to Minister of State

Niamh Eldridge Barry, a talented 24-year-old local artist from Rathmore, Naas, who was diagnosed with Dyspraxia at the age of eight, showcased and presented one of her pieces of artwork to Anne Rabbitte, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, at an event in Connections Arts Centre (CAC) Dublin this week (Wednesday, 8th November 2023) as part of Dublin City Council Inclusion and Integration Week 2023.

Miriam Spollen, founder and CEO of CAC, an award-winning social enterprise promoting inclusivity and equality for individuals with disabilities, expressed her gratitude. "We hope our event and other events happening to mark Dublin City Council Inclusion and Integration Week will help shine a light on the work and programmes we deliver to break down barriers faced by individuals with disabilities daily."

Speaking at the event, Minister Rabbitte said: "I am delighted to be part of Inclusion Week and this special event. Miriam Spollen, the driving force behind Connections Arts Centre, has created a space dedicated to inclusion, participation, and equality. Even since my first visit, I could see there was amazing work taking place and I refer to it frequently. Here, individuals with diverse abilities direct themselves to participate in programmes rooted in creativity and I think it’s a blueprint that could be replicated elsewhere. This Centre is breaking barriers, broadening its horizons, and fostering inclusion."

The latest *Census data highlights that 22% of Ireland's population lives with a disability, signifying a needed shift towards a more inclusive approach following the adoption of the 2006 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Alarmingly, 43% of individuals aged 15 and over in Ireland report some form of depression, reflecting a significant mental health challenge. Loneliness is a pressing issue, as it is associated with a 26% increased risk of premature death, rising to 32% for those living alone. Loneliness poses a greater health threat than obesity and is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Additionally, the adult disability population is forecasted to grow by 18% in the 20-29 age group and 21% in the 50+ age group by 2025. This underscores the need for prompt support and connection.

CAC's vision centres on empowering people with disabilities to overcome daily challenges that lead to exclusion and devaluation. Leveraging its three core pillars — Creativity, Community, and Change — CAC offers accessible arts, lifestyle, training, and mentoring programmes with a focus on enhancing creativity, connection, social, digital, and life skills while reducing loneliness and isolation, fostering social acceptance, and raising awareness of rights.

Miriam adds: "Since we set up in 2021, we've had the privilege of engaging with over 2,125 participants through our programmes. These programmes are not just about what we do but the transformation they bring to our community. We offer several weekly programmes at our Rathgar Centre in addition to our bespoke programmes to encourage inclusive participation in various arts and lifestyle activities, from art and drama to music and yoga.”

The Centre showcased its 'Creative TY Connections' programme, designed to assist the disability community acquire basic IT, money management, and life skills. The 2023 Creative TY Connections programme engaged participants from the disability community and transition year (TY) students from Loreto High School, Beauford, working as peers to enhance their money management and personal development skills, aligning with CAC's creative approach. The event culminated with a special graduation ceremony officiated by Minister Rabbitte.

A review conducted upon programme completion revealed a significant impact on the participants, promoting a sense of belonging, self-respect, and confidence. TY students also developed an appreciation for others, feelings of empowerment, and the ability to make a difference.

Furthermore, artist Jennifer Humphries and mentor Christine Foley shared their personal experiences from the ‘Connecting Artists 2023’ programme. The Connecting Artists Programme is designed for visual artists with intellectual disabilities who wish to develop their creative practice. The 10-week online programme partners the artists with mentors and culminates in an exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland. Based on the success of the programme to date, CAC will be running a 2024 Connecting Artists Programme and will be seeking participants soon.

CAC also unveiled details of its collaboration with Sogeti, a leading IT management consultancy, its innovation partner that is redesigning the website to reflect their commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and the continued growth of their programmes and partnership with Sogeti.

In her closing remarks, Minister Rabbitte emphasised the importance of inclusive practices and collaboration in achieving equality and inclusion.

In conclusion, Miriam made a call for financial support: “Connections Arts Centre is actively seeking sponsors and partners to join us in empowering the disability community through our Connecting Artists and TY programmes. By becoming a sponsor, you can make a significant impact and contribute to the success of these life-changing initiatives. If you or your organisation are interested in collaborating with the Centre or providing sponsorship, please get in touch with me at miriam@connectionsartscentre. ie.

"Together, we can create a more inclusive and equal society.”

For more information, please visit www.connectionsartscentre.ie or follow @connectionsartcentre on Instagram.