Connecting Artists 2025 National Exhibition Opens at RCSI
Connections Arts Centre (CAC) has today (16.07.25) launched its 2025 Connecting Artists Exhibition, hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). It was officially opened by broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan and will run until Saturday, 19th July.
The exhibition marks the culmination of a transformative 10-week online programme that supports artists who are neurodivergent or have intellectual disabilities. Designed to nurture creative growth, the programme pairs participating artists with mentors to support their artistic development and increase visibility in the arts. The exhibition features work by artists who took part in this year’s programme.
Opening the exhibition, Miriam O’Callaghan said: “It’s a real honour to return this year to celebrate the creativity and talent of these remarkable artists. The growth and confidence they display through their work is inspirational, and it’s a joy to see the impact of this important programme continue to expand year after year.”
Now in its fourth year, the Connecting Artists Programme, developed by CAC founder Miriam Spollen, has supported up to 40 artists since its inception in 2022, with the help of over 30 dedicated volunteer mentors. This year marks an important milestone as the programme was expanded to include neurodivergent artists alongside those with intellectual disabilities.
Lis Lien, Programme Manager at CAC, said: “This year, we were delighted to expand the Connecting Artists Programme to include neurodivergent artists as well as artists with intellectual disabilities. The diversity of perspectives and creative voices has added a powerful new dimension to the programme. Over the past 10 weeks, the artists have shown incredible dedication, and we’re so proud to see their work take centre stage at RCSI.”
The impact of the programme continues to create a positive ripple effect. Notably, 2023 participant Jennifer Humphreys from Blackrock, Cork, returns this year as a mentor, sharing her lived experience and passion for inclusive arts with emerging artist Claudia Williams, originally from Limerick City, now based in Newport, Co. Tipperary. Several artists have also gone on to lead workshops in notable venues such as the RHA, which, Lien says, demonstrates the programme’s impact in fostering confidence and professional growth.
Visitors to the exhibition can enjoy live artist demonstrations by Pamela Kavanagh from Lucan, Dublin, and Bearnard Durnin from Ardee, Co. Louth, offering a glimpse into their creative process and storytelling through visual art.
Following the RCSI exhibition, the artists will showcase their work alongside members of the Connecting Artists Collective – the programme’s follow-on initiative – at the University of Atypical’s Atypical Gallery in Belfast this August, extending the programme’s national and cross-border reach. Full details are available on the CAC website.
Looking ahead to 2026, CAC is preparing to mark the fifth year of this pioneering programme – a milestone for inclusive arts in Ireland. Planning is already underway to shape the future of the programme and build on its growing impact.
However, Lien stressed the importance of securing sustainable funding: “Funding remains crucial for the Connecting Artists Programme and its follow-on initiative, the Connecting Artists Collective. Sustainable financial support is essential if we are to grow and reach more artists across the country.”
She added: “The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is once again providing invaluable support by hosting the exhibition and championing inclusive arts. We are so grateful to our many partners, mentors and supporters who make this work possible.”
Exhibition Details:
Venue: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
Dates: Wednesday 16th July – Saturday 19th July
Admission: Entry to the exhibition and live demonstrations are free, but advance booking is essential to secure a place: https://www.connectionsartscentre.ie/ca25-exhibition-at-the-rcsi
Public Opening Times:
Wed 16 July: 3:00pm–5:00pm (Official Opening Day)
Thu 17 July: 11:00am–3:00pm (Live demo at 11:30am)
Fri 18 July: 11:00am–3:00pm (Live demo at 11:30am)
Sat 19 July: 11:00am–3:00pm
For more information about the programme and exhibition, visit: www.connectionsartscentre.ie
The artists participating in the 2025 Connecting Artists Exhibition are:
About Connections Arts Centre (CAC): CAC is a not-for-profit social enterprise supporting neurodivergent adults and adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. CAC exists to enhance inclusivity and empowerment by tackling inequalities faced by individuals with disabilities through the provision of accessible, innovative training, arts, and community education programmes. These specialised programmes cater to and support diverse learning requirements, ensuring that barriers to inclusion and participation for the disability community are overcome.
Connecting Artists Programme & Collective: A national annual initiative designed by CAC that pairs artists who are neurodivergent or have an intellectual disability with mentors, nurturing their creative development and visibility. The programme culminates in an exhibition at the RCSI. Upon completion, participants can join the Connecting Artists Collective, a platform for continued support and artistic growth. The collective facilitates artistic expression, skill-sharing, and collaboration, with notable exhibitions including the prestigious Royal Hibernian Academy. Watch a short video here.
