Longford artist selected for Connecting Artists program as a mentor

The Connecting Artists Programme is a transformative national initiative dedicated to supporting adult visual artists who face barriers in accessing art education and exhibition opportunities. Open to neurodivergent artists and those with intellectual
disabilities across all thirty-two counties of Ireland, the program is led by Connections Art Centre, an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise committed to improving the lives of the disability and neurodivergent community, by fostering positive social change.

Connections Art Centre creates inclusive opportunities for individuals of all abilities to develop their skills, build confidence, and showcase their talents. Their mission is to bridge educational gaps and counteract devaluation for people with disabilities through accessible arts, lifestyle, and training programs.

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The program, announced earlier this year, selects ten artists nationwide for a ten-week online course designed to elevate their art and prepare them for exhibiting and selling their work. The artists are matched with ten mentors who teach, support, and champion them over the course of the ten weeks.

The program's culmination is marked by an annual exhibition of work at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Local artist Anna D. Atkinson was one of the selected mentors for the 2025 Connecting Artists program. Anna heard about Connecting Artists from a previous participant and via Longford Arts Office. Understanding the challenges and barriers to being seen and heard in a world that is not always accepting of difference, she felt drawn to supporting a fellow neurodivergent artist in their creative journey.

"As a mentor, I've had the privilege of supporting one of this year’s artists, witnessing their talent, growth and creativity firsthand. The mentoring process is invaluable, fostering genuine connections and learning experiences for both mentors and artists alike. It’s been a huge learning curve for me, an experience filled with joyful creative expression, genuine connection and engaging interaction.

"I can’t recommend this program or the community that offer it highly enough. They’re amazing people, dedicated to nurturing the wellbeing of creative individuals, while also committed to equality, diversity and inclusion."

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This year’s exhibition was officially launched by RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan on Wednesday, July 16 and was on show until Saturday, July 19.

Those who didn’t get to attend you can view the gallery of images online:
https://www.connectionsartscentre.ie/ca25-exhibition-at-the-rcsi