2021 exhibition – about

Arts Ability logo

Whatever

Exhibition

Guest Curator Jenny Haughton

The Arts Department of Wexford County Council in association with Wexford Arts Centre are pleased to announce the launch of Whatever, the bi-annual Arts Ability initiative. This year, Whatever comprises an online exhibition, original artist book, documentary videos and peer workshops by, for and with artists and collaborators.

Since 2003, the Arts Ability Programme has supported hundreds of artists by providing space, materials, tuition and facilitators in centres and homes throughout the South-East. Well over forty artists are taking part in Whatever, which has opened up a variety of ways that have sought to transcend any restrictions imposed by COVID-19. Presented bi-annually, Artist Dominic Thorpe was Guest Curator in 2017 and Catherine Marshall in 2019.

Whatever is curated by Jenny Haughton and Catherine Bowe working in collaboration with the artists, and lead artists’ facilitators Declan Kennedy, Oonagh Latchford, Joe Brennan, Emily Redmond and John Busher, and film-maker Terence White.

Speaking about Whatever, Guest Curator Jenny Haughton said: ‘This year, the aim is to explore the diversity of approaches to creative production. Whether through writing, singing, painting or sewing, Whatever offers a collective contribution to understanding creative experience. Referencing the writer and activist Irit Rogoff, she suggests that Whatever is ‘being such as it actually matters’ to you; this has formed the basis for artists and facilitators, and has resulted in some intriguing and authentic contributions.

To launch the exhibition, the Arts Department of Wexford County Council has commissioned a dedicated website for Arts Ability which will extend the life and legacy of this programme. The website will feature the Whatever exhibition including an original artist book and a series of video documentaries. These documentaries, produced by filmmaker Terence White, explore the studio processes of a number of the artists involved in the programme highlighting techniques and interests that are pertinent to them.

The Arts Ability programme has expanded in recent years and is a partnership between the Arts Department of Wexford County Council, the HSE Disability and Mental Health Services and Wexford Mental Health Association through its Music Exploration Programme. Partner venues include: Killagoley Training & Activation Centre (KTAC, Enniscorthy), County Wexford Community Workshop, (CUMAS, New Ross), Wexford Residential and Intellectual Services (WRIDS, Enniscorthy) as well as care and residential homes countywide. It is a person-centred, participation focused initiative, the primary goal of which is to provide access to high quality art experiences based on meaningful engagement between participant artists and professional artists. 

Radio Feature: South-East Radio

Thursday 29th April, 8pm

With contributions by artists from K.T.A.C. and W.M.H.A. presented by lead facilitator Joe Brennan.

Peer Workshops

Vocal workshop with Emily Redmond

Monday 10th, 17th and 24th May at 11am online

In this weekly vocal online session musician/composer Emily Redmond will introduce participants to community songs with 3-part harmony and provide audio links for participants to use at home.

Creativity and Well-Being workshop with Sarah Lynch and Ciaradh Walsh

Thursday 20th May at 12pm online

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this session has been cancelled and will be rescheduled to a later date.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Occupational Therapists Sarah Lynch and Ciaradh Walsh for will present an online session exploring the evidence base for the relationship between creativity and wellbeing.

For further information or to book a workshop please contact:
Catherine Bowe, Wexford Arts Centre, catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie
Catriona O’Sullivan, Wexford County Council, catriona.osullivan@wexfordcoco.ie