The Connecting Artists Collective

Created by Artists for Artists

The Connecting Artists Collective is a national community of artists from across Ireland, who are neurodivergent or have an intellectual disabilities We provide a platform for collaboration, skill-sharing, and creative growth, supporting artists to develop their practice and showcase their work. Through exhibitions, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the Collective fosters inclusivity in the arts and empowers members to reach new audiences.

To view and purchase original artwork and cards, click the button below to visit our gallery shop.

Click here to visit the gallery shop

Meet The Collective Artists

View Current, Upcoming, and Past CA Collective Events and Exhibitions below

Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin - March 19th- April 19th 2026

The CA Collective artists will be exhibiting for the third year at the RHA in Dublin. This annual event brings new artists into the collective and highlights the unique work of the growing Connecting Artists Collective. This exhibition is free to attend and accessible, no booking required.

We will will be hosing free Artists talks and Demonstration during the exhibition dates. Follow us on social media or join our mailing list to be notified of dates and times.

Click the button below to sign up to our newsletter and stay informed about events and opportunities.

Click here to sign up to the newsletter

Art Source RDS, 14th-16th November 2025

The CA Collective showcased and sold artwork at Art Source 2025, Ireland’s biggest art fair, held at the RDS, Dublin.

Artists from across the country attended the event to share their arts practice and talk about their artwork. It was a great opportunity for the artists to connect in person and with all in attendance at Art Source.

Click the left and right arrows to scroll through the gallery below.

IMG_7064.jpg
IMG_7150.jpg
IMG_7094.jpg
IMG_7091.jpg
IMG_7129.jpg
IMG_7125.jpg
IMG_7078.jpg
IMG_7080.jpg
IMG_7071.jpg
IMG_7070.jpg
a1689416-24f1-482d-be34-d8c0419fceaf.jpg
IMG_7088.jpg
IMG_7066.jpg
2044501c-f692-48c8-9b73-240e75ed4516.jpg
7963bc06-cef4-4c06-91bd-8fdf149f1eeb.jpg
5118f119-8cc7-45b9-aa20-5d4171a35a0b.jpg
235f0c9e-ebd3-4c34-a3e8-b9f08715362c.jpg
9fc18496-9d0e-4477-ab73-96af92503236.JPG
7fb2a2e6-144f-4de1-beaa-3d811fb3639a.JPG

CA Collective at the Atypical Gallery at University of Atypical, Belfast- 7th -28th August

We were delighted to exhibit at the Atypical Gallery for the third year in a row. The exhibition showcased the 23 Artists from the CA Collective and the new artists from the CA25 programme. On opening night we had a great crowd show up, as the opening coinsided with Late Night Art Belfast. It was wonderful to see so many people interact wit the art and the Artists who cam to say a few words.

Click the left and right arrows to scroll through the gallery below.

09c926fa-3bfa-4b4c-990c-c79f7fc4cf78.jpg
11256a77-a997-4496-a04b-8793ea7f4dab.jpg
79304d0e-cd20-40c9-b964-75a5780d0f7a.jpg
5428817a-ffab-4285-afe8-0030772c179a.jpg
3cdc69ca-4910-4369-9d0f-70bb4bc5b939.jpg
e9a02327-c33f-40c2-9d25-adc8a88e89ff.JPG
aecfe02d-3f2c-4c9d-818d-4f90ceb890c9.jpg
89740679-4ef5-4b82-9d34-74ba1c2cc9bb.JPG
24d31448-b63e-4c8c-9c38-f093f28ceb93.JPG
3da760ea-e277-48b7-afbc-64b2c3512c96.JPG
1eec36e6-48dd-4623-b427-a44d1434422e.JPG
d04d5df9-29fd-4e44-bce2-905a996394e9.jpg

CA Collective at the RHA: The 2025 Exhibition- 14th March-20th April 2025

View the images from opening night artists reception, on Thursday 13th March.  This is the second year the CA Collective has exhibited at the prestigious Royal Hibernian Academy. The exhibition was on view from 14th March - 20th April 2025 and featured artists talks/demonstrations featuring Tomás Malone and Jennifer Humphreys.

Click the left and right arrows to scroll through the gallery below.

The Royal Hibernian Academy of Art.
Artist Clement Yang poses with his artwork 'Puffin' at the RHA exhibition.
Artist Rachel Coen poses with her artwork 'Sunflower' at the RHA Exhibition.
Artist Jennifer Humphries smiles while holding her artwork 'Rhythm of Colours'.
Artist Jason Grace speaks to a room full of people at the Royal Hibernian Academy of Art.
Artist David Singleton, a friend and Miriam Spollen smile and pose for a photo in the RHA.
Artist Samuel Hilliard smiles with a woman while they hold his RHA Exhibition artwork of a boat.
Artist David Singleton smiles while holding his artwork 'Woman with a Yellow Hat'.
Tomás Malone poses with three women at an art exhibition in the RHA.
From left to right, Thomas Higgins, Kristin Reynado Suniegan, Rachel Coen and a woman take a photo with a selfie stick in front of a wall of artwork.
Artist Brian Kennedy poses with his artwork 'A Pint Please Ian' at the RHA.
A woman in a red jumper smiles with a girl wearing headphones. Int background, there are people admiring a white wall lined with artwork.
Artist Kristin Reynado Suniega poses with her artwork depicting various food stands against a starry night sky.
A man in a black shirt with short blonde wavy hair smiles next to a woman wearing a denim jacket, with blonde shoulder length hair.
Artist Jason Grace holds his artwork depicting a woman in an abstract style at the RHA.
Artist Niamh Eldridge-Barry poses with her artwork 'Serene' at the RHA. She is wearing a lilac dress and the painting is of a seaside.
Lis Lien and Artist Thomas Higgins pose with Thomas' artwork depicting a row boat on the bank of a river.
Deirdre speaks to a large group of people at the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts.
Close up of a phone on a selfie stick taking a photo of Artists Rachel Coen and Kristin Reynado Suniega.
Aarif Amod is seated, and plays a handpan with mallets. He is sitting in front of a glass window.
Artist Alan Tarpey poses with his artwork 'The Nose of Tralee' at the RHA. It depicts lots of dogs on a pink staircase.
Artist Michael Hade poses with his artwork 'It's a Plane!' at the RHA. He is wearing a dark jumper and is making a thumbs up gesture.
Director of the RHA Patrick Murphy, a man viewed from the back with white hair and glasses, converses with Artist Jason Grace, a man with dark hair and glasses, wearing a red shirt under a dark plaid shirt.
Artist Samuel Hilliard smiles while he holds his artwork of a boat at the RHA.
Artist Tomás Malone, a tall man wearing grey jumper, holds hands with a woman with light hair and glasses. They stand in front of his artwork depicting orange, purple, black and blue brushstrokes.
Artist Joe Hallam smiles outside the RHA and holds his artwork of a colourful tree made up of dots.
An article in the Irish Examiner with a picture of Jennifer Humphries holding her artwork 'Serene'.

Disrupt Disability Arts Festival

Featuring Jason Grace and the CA Collective, Project Arts Centre 8th March, 2025

Part of the Disrupt Disability Arts Festival 2025. Jason Grace was featured in an artists conversation and showcase of works in progress, while sharing insights into his creative processes. He invited the audience to create alongside him in an interactive workshop. This event also featured an exhibition in the Project Arts Centre, of selected works from Connections Artists Collective ongoing throughout the day.

Click arrows on the left and right to scroll through the gallery below

Table with a small sign reading 'Artist Jason Grace'. There are white sheets of paper, an easel and a drawing board, and a framed painting by Jason Grace.
Artist Jason Grace stands with a woman with short fair hair. They are holding two pieces of artwork; one is a colourful geometric sketch, and the other is a black and white abstract sketch.
Artist Jason Grace poses with a friend. They are holding two artworks that are black and white sketches of abstract geometric shapes.
Artist Jason Grace poses with his black and white abstract sketch on an easel. Next to him is another male artist with short curly hair, holding a drawing of a colourful street, featuring a house, a tree and the sky.
Artist Jason Grace poses with his black and white abstract sketch on an easel. Jason holds a drawing of a green circle on a blue background with the text 'Ireland' in the middle. Next to him is Artist Alan Tarpey holding a drawing of a colourful pan
Artist Jason Grace poses with his black and white abstract sketch on an easel. Next to him is a female artist with light hair holding a colourful abstract drawing of a face.
Artist Jason Grace poses with his black and white abstract sketch on an easel. Next to him is female artist with a dark bob holding a drawing of a winding street with a red heart.
Artist Jason Grace works on his art at an easel at Disrupt Disability.
A group of people talking at Disrupt Disability.
A group of artists showing each other their artwork while in a seated circle.
An overhead shot of three artists drawing at a table at Disrupt Disability.
The outside of the Project Arts Centre building. The building uses pink and blue paint, with the text 'Art' on the windows.
A display board with many flyers about Disrupt Disability, and Connections Arts Centre. There are two artworks on easels to the right of the board.
David Singletons Artwork 'Woman with Fruit' on an easel in the Project Arts Centre.
Clement Yang's artwork 'Rooster' in the Project Arts Centre.
A display of Jennifer Humphries artworks on small easels on a table.

Collective at the University of Atypical, Belfast

Thursday, 1st August - Wednesday 28th August, 2024

This exhibition featured artwork from 22 artists from the Connecting Artists 2024 Programme and the Connecting Artists Collective.

Click arrows on the left and right to scroll through the gallery below.

Exhibition flyer for the Connecting Artists Exhibition at the University of Atypical. The artwork is of a plane wing. The text reads University of Atypical welcomes Connecting Artists Collective.
Yellow flyer with information about exhibition at University of Atypical; featuring a painting by Thomas Higgins of a boat.
Artist Joe Hallam standing closely in between Robert Hallam (left, tall man in a denim shirt) and Lis Lien (right, woman with a white top and denim skirt) at the Atypical Gallery.
Artists David Singleton and Michael Hade standing in front of David's Painting "Washing line".
Artist Joe Hallam and Mags Salisbury in front of his artwork "the four seasons" hanging in the Atypical Gallery.
Group of people in an art gallery with high ceilings.
Artists David Singleton and Michael Hade talking in front of a window in the Atypical Gallery.
Artist Jenny Humphreys standing in front of her artwork "Chair 2". There are two women standing either side of her, posing their hands in a peace sign gesture, and smiling.
Window looking in to the Atypical Gallery. You can see art on the walls and the gallery logo, a teal and yellow circle on the window.
Artist Tomas Malone with Susan Crawford and friend standing in front of his art work "Primary One" hanging in the Atypical Gallery.
Front of the Atypical Gallery building. It is old building with lots of detail and curved windows.
Artists Joe Hallam and Michael Hade standing in front of Joes artwork "The Four Seasons" hanging in the Atypical Gallery.
A sign painted on the side of a fence that says "BELFAST" it is multi-colored and had a graffiti style man in a hat to the right of the writing.
A group of people looking at the artwork in the Atypical Gallery. They have large curved windows behind them.
Artist Michael Hade and Joyce Hade taking a selfie in front of Michaels artwork "its a plane" hanging in the Atypical Gallery.
Artist Jenny Humphreys take a selfie in the Atypical Gallery with Elisabeth Lien and Liz Salisbury.
People viewing artwork in the Atypical Gallery. A man is pointing towards the artwork on the white wall.
Artist David Singleton and Kate Singleton standing in front of his artwork "Washing Line" at Atypical Gallery.
Logo for Atypical Gallery Blue and pink circles on a yellow background.

CA Collective at the RHA - The Spring 2024 Exhibition

This landmark exhibition was the first for artists with intellectual disabilities at the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts, setting the stage for future endeavors. At our April 10th event celebrating the CA Collective, Patrick Murphy, Director of the RHA, reinforced this milestone by announcing RHA's commitment to continue to host our Spring exhibitions in 2025 and 2026. A testament to the groundbreaking impact of Connections Arts Centre and a significant recognition by the Irish arts community.

The Royal Hibernian Academy of Art building.

View highlights from our 10th of April event Celebrating the CA Collective at the RHA, in the image gallery below.

Wide shot of Spring exhibition in the RHA in 2024. Several pieces of artwork are displayed on easels, with groups of people looking at the artworks.
Two framed artworks and a rectangular informational document about the RHA exhibition.
Miriam Spollen stands at a podium delivering a speech at the RHA Exhibition. She wears a black suit and has shoulder length blonde hair.
A group of people listening to a speech at the RHA exhibition. There are people holding glasses of wine and looking to the left.
David Singletons artwork of a woman at a table with tea.
Director of the RHA Patrick Murphy stands at a podium delivering a speech at the RHA Exhibition.
Three artworks on easels at the RHA exhibition. One depicts a fish, one depicts an owl, and one depicts a waiter holding trays.
Artist David Singleton with his artwork 'Red Flair' at the RHA.
A woman with dark hair and dark clothes points the microphone to artist Thomas Higgins.
RHA director Patrick Murphy, CAC Mananger Lis Lien and RHA Learning and Public Engagement Curator Ciara Harrison at the RHA Exhibition.
White framed artwork on an easel depicting two boats on a river.
Samuel Hilliard holds his artwork 'Fruit Bowl' with his family and friends at the RHA.
Two women pose for a photo at the RHA Exhibition. Kate Singleton, on the left wears a colourful floral top and has a long brown bob and glasses. The woman on the right wears a black cardigan and a blue floral skirt with shoulder length blonde hair.
Three artworks on easels at the RHA exhibition. One depicts a waiter holding trays, one depicts a countryside cottage, and one shows swans swimming on a river.
Two artworks side by side mounted on a wall. The left artwork shows hay bales in a field. The right artwork shows a colourful abstract scene.
Six colourful artworks line a white wall. There are two stands holding documents, likely containing information about the paintings.
Close up of an artwork showing a garden with a water fountain and a tree. In the background there is a painting of a cat.
Artist Niamh Eldridge-Barry smiles next to her artwork of a beach on a sunny day.
Thomas Higgins smiles next to his artwork of haybales in a field. He wears a white flat cap and a blue suit jacket.
Three people wearing lanyards pose for a photo at the RHA Exhibition.
A group of colourfully clothed people smile for a photo at RHA Exhibition.
Artist Jenny Stafford holds her artwork of trees lining a path surrounded by blue flowers.
Three people standing close together in the RHA Exhibition. The woman on the left is wearing a black jacket over a long blue dress. The man in the middle is wearing dark clothes with a black leather jacket. The woman on the right is wearing a black a
Artist Tomas Malone stands holding two friends closely at the RHA Exhibition.
Two people stand smiling at the RHA Exhibition. The man wears a dark flannel shirt, and the woman wears a dark blue suit.
Artist Michael Hade stands closely hugging a friend at the RHA Exhibition. Micheal wears all black, and has short dark hair. The woman wears a white suit with a black shirt.
Deirdre is dressed in black and stands closely to a man in a white shirt and dark trousers at the RHA. The mans arm is around Deirdre and they are both smiling.
Artworks on easels are on the left, there are people to the right. There is someone with their back turned in the centre.
A group of people applaud at the RHA Exhibition applauding. They are all looking to the left.
A woman stands with a microphone reading a speech. There is artwork on an easel behind her.
Artist David Singleton holds a microphone, with the other hand in his jean pocket. Mags Salisbury stands beside him wearing a yellow lanyard.
Two girls in Connections Arts Centre t-shirts stand closely together smiling.
Artist Joe Hallam stands closely with Mags Salisbury in front of easels with artwork. They are smiling for the photo.
Artist Kristin holds a phone and takes photos of her artwork displayed on easels at the RHA.
Thomas Higgins shows his artwork on an easel to other patrons. He is gesturing with his hand towards an artwork of a farm. Two woman are looking at the artwork.
Mags and Fiona stand closely together smiling in the RHA. They are both wearing dark outfits and have blonde hair, they are smiling for the photo.
Artist Michael Hade and a friend make a thumbs up gesture while smiling. They are standing close together and both wearing all black outfits.
Two parents with three children pose for a photo in front of a wall lined with artwork.
Two women smile and pose for a photograph in the RHA.
A man in a dark suit and a woman with a yellow bag stand closely and smile
Miriam Spollen and two men in suits smile in front of a white wall lined with artwork
Miriam Spollen and a woman wearing glasses and a red shirt smile in front of a white wall lined with artwork
Two smartly dressed men and a woman smile stand closely together and pose for a photo
Miriam Spollen and a woman wearing a blue overcoat smile in front of a white wall lined with artwork
Three people stand and smile in front of a white wall lined with artwork
Miriam Spollen and a man wearing a puffer jacket smile and stand in front of a white wall lined with artwork
Miriam Spollen and two men smile and stand in front of a window
Three people stand closely together in front of a white wall lined with artwork
Three people stand closely together in front of a white wall lined with artwork
Three women converse and laugh, while standing in front of a white wall lined with artwork
Two people stand closely together, there are easels with artwork behind them
  • Three people standing in a group. One person is holding a painting with of a landscape, with a tree with pink flowers, blue sky, and orange ground.

    National Social Enterprise Conference

    Connections Arts Centre spoke and showcased artwork at the National Social Enterprise Conference. Sponsored by SERI and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Minister Jerry Buttimer opened the event and purchased a piece of artwork.

  • digital print of a dog sitting at a table with a mug and checkered table cloth.

    West End Art Studio CA Collective

    Artists from the CA Collective exhibited at our first exhibition in Mallow. ]

    The showcase was opened by artist Jenny Humphreys.

  • Ardclough Village Centre

    Artists Niamh Eldridge Barry and Jenny Stafford were featured in an exhibition in their home town.

    Guests enjoyed refreshments, purchased original artwork, and both artists opened the exhibition with a few words.

  • framed artwork hung in an exhibition booth

    Art Source Dublin 2024

    23 artists from the CA Collective exhibited and sold artwork at Art Source Dublin at the RDS. Across three days the artists showcased their work, met other artists, and sold pieces to many happy art enthusiasts. It was a great experience for everyone and very inspiring to connect with artist from across Ireland.

  • Group of seven people standing in front of a stand up banner. Two of them are holding colorful artwork.

    Exhibition and showcase at Citi Bank Dublin

    The CA Collective and Connections Arts Centre was invited to speak about our programmes and showcase and sell artwork at a private event on 2024 and 2025. Supported by the Citi Disability and Neurodiversity Network. Artists spoke as part of the presentation and were in attendance across the three day event.

  • Artists holding artwork at the RHA exhibition opening night

    RHA Exhibition Opening Night

    The Collective artists celebrated with the other artists exhibiting at the RHA and the art community. The opening night event for the CAC at RHA exhibition, was a joyous event where everyone got to celebrate the creative work of all the artists.

  • Male in a button down shirt standing in front of artwork displayed on easels. Speaking to a person who is facing them.

    Showcase at National Disability Authority Conference

    Connections Arts Centre was invited to showcase programmes and artwork From the CA Collective at the 2024 NDA Conference. Artists were in attendance to attend conference talks and speak to attendees about their artwork and the Connecting Artists Programme.

  • Artists David Singleton with a painting of his

    College of Anesthesiologists Annual Congress

    Connections Arts Centre was invited to share our programmes and showcase and sell artwork from Collective artists. Artists David Singleton (pictured above) and Niamh Eldridge-Barry were in attendance to meet with people and speak about their artwork. A painting by artist Niamh Eldridge-Barry was also awarded during the conference.

  • Jennifer Humphries, Dee Kennelly, Amy Begley

    Artist Workshop: Crawford Gallery, Cork

    What amazing day!!! And made great connections with @doubletakearts @kcat.art.centre @crawford.supportedstudio @suisha.arts @crawfordartgallery can’t thank @crawfordartgallery for all their support and welcoming and hosting us!

  • Pierre Yang and Artist Clement Yang

    Selling and Exhibition: ArtSource Cork

    Collective artists sold and exhibited artwork at ArtSource Cork, at Cork City Hall. During the three day event, 6th-8th October 2023. Many of the artists came to the event to speak about their work and meet the other artists selling at the event. Fun was had by all and connections were made.

  • Exhibition: University of Atypical

    Collective artists and their artwork took to the road. The exhibition at University of Atypical ran from the 3rd - 25th August 2023. For the opening event some of the artists were there; sharing their stories and experience from the Connecting Artist Programme.

  • From stage view of exhibition hall

    CA 2023 Exhibition: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

    Our ten amazing artists from Connecting Artists 2023 exhibited their work at the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) from Sunday 16th of July until Tuesday 18th of July, 2023.

    We saw over 300 attendees across the 3-day exhibition; which included attendees from all across Ireland. We were honoured to have Irish television broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan participate in the exhibition, give her time to meet the artists, and launch the opening of the event, with an inspiring introduction.

  • Art on display and for sale at Citi Bank Christmas Fair

    CitiBank Christmas Fair

    Along with other organisations from from Inner City Enterprise and supported by CAC. The Collective artists were able to showcase and sell original art at the 2023 Citi Bank Christmas fair in Dublin.

Artists Talks and Demonstrations

  • Artist Niamh Eldridge Barry

    Artist Demonstration with Artist Niamh Eldridge-Barry

    Meet the Artist:

    Niamh Eldridge Barry is from Rathmore, Nass, Co Kildare. She was diagnosed with Dyspraxia at the age of eight. She has had a passion for art since childhood. Niamh's preferred subjects are landscapes and animals and she takes inspiration from her imagination and referencing places she has visited.

  • artist thomas higgins and his mentor pamela

    Artist Talk with Thomas Higgins and his mentor Pamela

    Meet the Artist:

    11 years ago, Thomas overcome a a brain haemorrhage and subsequent left leg paralysis. His love for art was a constant source of inspiration and expression during this time and throughout his life. His favourite medium is oil paints and he loves recreating old photographs. Thomas has a wide knowledge of art and can talk about his love of it for hours.

  • Artist Alan Tarpey

    Artist Demonstration with Alan Tarpey

    Meet the Artist:

    Alan loves to paint familiar people and the buildings they inhabit, using pen, ink, and watersoluble pastel on acrylic paper to bring out the colour of the subjects. A scene in real life is further enhanced by his stroke. Alan started with his own native Roscommon and proceeded to illustrate every enjoyable spot he encountered along his daily path, be it cycling, walking or visiting town or city by bus.

  • Artist Amy Clark

    Artist Demonstration with Amy Clarke

    Meet the Artist:

    Amy, an artists from Galway, loves art as it inspires her to be creative and helps her to inspire others. She loves using different paints and all sorts of materials for her artwork.

About the The Connecting Artists Collective:

An offshoot of the Connecting Artists Programme, an annual, innovative online initiative aimed at supporting visual artists who are neurodivergent or are living with an intellectual disabilities, who wish to develop their professional and creative practice.

The Connecting Artists Collective was developed based on a strong wish expressed by the artists who participated in the inaugural Connecting Artist programme in 2022 and 2023 programmes to stay connected and continue to support each other and share their skills.. The Collective aims to give Artists a safe supported space where they can continue to share their skills, learn from each other. It acts as a dynamic online hub that promotes artistic exploration and collaboration, both within the disability community and the broader society. This unique space allows artists to express their individuality and cultural identity, showcasing and selling their work.

Connections Arts Centre supports the group of artists along with mentors from the Connecting Artists programme who have joined the Collective with an active WhatsApp group, monthly online meetings , professional paid opportunities, and developing opportunities for the artists to exhibit and sell their work.

Artist Jenny Stafford paints a picture of a cat

CAC would like to thank our Connecting Artists Collective partners the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the RHA for their exhibition and workshop support.

Royal College of Surgeons Ireland logo
RHA Logo
Artists Amy Begley and Jennifer Humphreys
Wide shot of an exhibition in the RCSI, with artwork lining the walls. There are lots of people gathered looking at the artwork