Connecting Artists 2025 logo. It is a colourful graphic with concentric patterns, the text reads 'Connecting Artists' in purple and '2025' in yellow.

Meet the Connecting Artists 2025

Click on the image for each artist to read a bit about them and their experience in the programme.

Martin Carolan, a grey haired man in a blue jumper, smiling.

Martin Carolan

Pamela Kavanagh, a woman with brown curly hair.

Pamela Kavanagh

Rachel Connell, a blonde haired woman wearing glasses and smiling.

Rachel Connell

Bearnard Durnin, a man with dark hair and glasses wearing a blue shirt and jacket.

Bearnard Durnin

Paula O'Connor, a brown haired woman with a fringe, smiling and wearing a red and black flannel shirt.

Paula O’Connor

Ava Lawlor, a dark haired woman wearing a baseball cap and a hoodie with a graphic of a lion.

Ava Lawlor

Evan McLoughlin, a brown haired man wearing a grey sweatshirt.

Evan McLoughlin

John Heavey, a light haired man wearing a black hoodie, holding a photo that is out of frame.

John Heavey

Marta Soltysek, a woman with long dark hair standing in front of a tall and colourful artwork.

Marta Soltysek

Claudia Williams, a pink haired woman with a septum piercing and wearing headphones.

Claudia Williams

Connecting Artists logo. It is a colourful graphic with concentric patterns, the text reads 'Connecting Artists' in purple.

Connecting Artists 2025 Exhibition

at the Royal College of Surgeons. 16th July-19th July

This remarkable exhibition showcases the artwork of 10 artists from the Connecting Artists 2025 programme.

During the exhibition you will have the opportunity to view artwork from the artists from across Ireland, and even purchase artworks that will be available throughout the duration of the event and online. Entry to the exhibition is FREE, but advance booking is essential to secure your spot.

Stay tuned… or follow up on Instagram @connectionsartscentre

More information and sign-up link coming soon.

About the Connecting Artists Programme

The Connecting Artists Programme is a programme designed for visual artists with intellectual disabilities or from the neurodivergent community, who wish to develop their creative practice. 10 Artists are selected nationwide for a 10 week online programme designed to elevate their art and prepare them for exhibiting and even selling their work.

The online programme connects artists from across Ireland, skilled facilitators, and partner mentors. Through the immersive and supportive environment provided by the programme, the incredibly talented artists explore their art through demonstrations and workshops and engaging with one another; and with the support of the Connections Arts Centre team, learn about key areas in developing themselves as professional artists.

The course culminates with an exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, allowing the artists to meet in person and showcase their incredible work.

Watch this short video to learn more about the Connecting Artists Programme:

After the programme finishes, the artists are invited to join the Connecting Artists Collective; a dynamic online hub that promotes artistic exploration and collaboration, both within the disability community and broader society. This unique space allows artists to express their individuality and cultural identity, showcasing and selling their work. Find out more about the Collective by clicking the button below.

What people had to say about the programme…..

“I see art all the time but I’ve been bowled over today by the standard of your work.

-Miriam O’Callaghan, TV & Radio Broadcast Journalist at RTÉ

RTE Broadcaster Miriam O' Callaghan and Artist Amy Begley, holding a printout of a colourful digital artwork of a woman wearing a headscarf created by Amy.

“I am loving the group!! I really am enjoying this group everyone is so nice! I love how I can be myself around them even though they are strangers. Their art work is amazing, it is so nice to be in a group where I feel that I am in the right place. Thanks for a great day 😊”

-Amy Begley, Artist, Cork

Liz Hughes, Head of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion unit at the Royal College of Surgeons is smiling while holding her phone at the Connecting Artists 2023 Exhibition. She is wearing a floral top and has silver wavy hair.

“The positive impact that this initiative has had on its participants, families and all who have attended the exhibition is inspiring. By focusing on nurturing and encouraging the artists’ talent and confidence, Connections Art Centre have created something very special for the Disability Community.”

-Liz Hughes, Head of EDI at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Artist Amy Clarke hold two prints of her artwork from the Connecting Artists 2022 Programme. The artwork is of a girl with dark hair against a colourful background of cirlces.

“Form the moment she was selected, Amy immediately understood what an honour it was, and that Connecting Artists was a platform on which her role was to represent people with disability by showing what they can achieve.

The Exhibition itself was a thrill for all of us who know and love her: but, here Amy surprised us, confidently representing herself, discussing the artwork and proving that disability was no barrier to achievement. Similarly, in promotional and podcast interviews she was able to articulate what an enriching experience that Connecting Artists 22 has been. An appearance on Galway Bay FM, photographs in the national dailies, and articles in both local newspapers, have made her a minor celebrity in Mountbellew as people shower Amy with congratulations on this achievement. ……..To Miriam Spollen and your entire team, sincerest thanks for this ground-breaking opening to artists with disability. Not only have you enhanced the richness of Amy's life, but you have enriched ours too: because we have had to stand back and watch our little girl become the role model and inspiration that she always wants to be.

-Joe & Evelyn Clarke, Mountbellew, Co Galway

Artist David Singleton (a tall man wearing a red flannel shirt) with his mother Kate (a shorter woman with glasses and a brown bob), standing in front of David's artwork at the Connecting Artist exhibition 2022 in the Royal College of Surgeons.

“I really enjoyed the experience. It was great being with other people on Zoom being creative. I got ideas from other members of the group which I might try myself. I also enjoyed my chance at teaching and introducing people to my artwork. I loved working towards the exhibition.”

-David Singleton, Artist, Dublin

Artwork by Alan Tarpey depicting a cathedral in front of a green, blue and purple striped background.

Inspired by what you have seen?

Click button below to purchase original artwork and prints from Connecting Artists Participants and CA Collective Artists