“Art offers people with a disability a powerful voice – a way to express, connect and celebrate their unique perspectives,” according to Winnie Connolly, HSE Disability Services Manager, Sligo, commenting on the art exhibition “Sligo’s Dream Horizons” involving the HSE Ballytivnan Training Centre. “All of us here at the centre are enormously proud to present this exhibition to the community. It allows us to display art outside traditional service facilities in public spaces and it breaks down the walls between art and everyday life, making it more accessible and inclusive for all.”
Running in the Atlantic Technical University (ATU) Library, Sligo, until December 12th, the exhibition features art from people who are supported by HSE Disability Services’ Ballytivnan Training Centre in Sligo. Under the guidance of art tutor, Jenny Cooper, the collection showcases the artists’ unique perspectives on Sligo, highlighting the county’s scenic beauty and cultural landmarks through their own creative vision.
Jenny noted how they were:
"delighted to share the creativity and talent of our artists with the wider community. Each piece reflects the individuality, imagination, and pride the artists have in Sligo. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the exhibition during library opening hours and support this uplifting community event celebrating inclusion, creativity, and local partnership."
One of the contributors, Catherine , reflecting on her involvement outlined how “it feels amazing to see our work on display for everyone to enjoy. I loved being involved, I feel very proud of what we have achieved.”
The project has received significant support and collaboration from Dr Johanna Archbold, Head Librarian and the team at the ATU Library. Dr Archbold explained that “this collaboration with the HSE Ballytivnan Training Centre reflects our belief that an academic library should be a place where creativity, inclusion and community meet. The artists’ work brings fresh vibrant perspectives on Sligo’s landmarks, landscape and built heritage. We are honoured to host and celebrate the creative talent of the Ballytivnan artists here in the Yeats Library, and make it available for our students, staff and the wider public. Collaborations like this enrich our campus, strengthen our local ties, highlight the value of shared artistic expression and remind us that learning and inspiration flow in many directions.”
Winnie concludes: “The art work on display is part of a community mapping process and acknowledges that individuals, organisations, groups, and physical places all have the capacity to create real change in our shared communities. An exhibition like this provides an opportunity to make new contacts and learn what is available in the community. It allows the community to be evaluated and to identify amenities that are potentially missing or need enhancement as well as allowing community members to get to know people with a disability and learn about their support services.”