Arts Council and Arts & Disability Ireland announce the awarded artists of the Arts and Disability Connect scheme 2019

In the 6^th year of this funding scheme €30,500 has been awarded to 14 artists with disabilities through New Work, Mentoring and Training awards.

New Work awards give artists the resources and time to develop new and ambitious work. Artists work with an arts partner to support them to get this new work seen by audiences. This year 2 artists received New Work awards.

Tia Vellani is a musician and visual artist based in Kilkenny. In partnership with the Alternative Kilkenny Arts Fringe, Tia will create a new work called ‘What is the Sound of One Heart Dancing?’. A dance, music and visual art installation that will take place at the Auxiliary Hospital Kilkenny.

Yvonne Condon is a Cork based visual artist and Crawford Supported Studio member. In partnership with the Crawford Art Gallery and with the support of Cork City Council, Yvonne will create a large scale public artwork, potentially in the Port of Cork.

Mentoring awards give artists the resources to develop a mentoring relationship with another arts professional. Over six months artists work on an element of their practice with their mentor. This year 5 artists received Mentoring awards.

Brianna Hurley is a Kilkenny based visual artist and KCAT Studio member who will work with architect Neasa Hourigan to explore how traditional stone buildings and contemporary architecture can inform her visual art and architecture practice.

Corina Duyn a puppeteer, designer and playwright based in Waterford will work with theatre maker, puppeteer and set designer Emma Fisher to develop her process of creating stories, her puppetry practice and devise accessible ways to operate puppets.

Philip Kenny is a Dublin based writer and spoken word poet who will work with writer Arnold Thomas Fanning to expand his practice and get critical feedback while he works towards creating a new body of work.

Sahaja Budzilla a visual artist based in Co Limerick will work with visual artist Brian Maguire to forge connections with other artists in Ireland and transition to making large scale public sculptures.

Tom O’Sullivan is a Cork based visual artist and Crawford Supported Studio member who will work with visual artist Tom Climent to experience other artist studios and develop his painting practice.

Training awards give artists the resources to learn skills through courses, workshops and masterclasses facilitated by arts organisations, artists and arts professionals. This year 7 artists received Training awards.

Elizabeth McCormack a Galway based musician will work with vocal coach Michel Durham to build her confidence towards recording material with her band Electric Dreams.

Emilie Conway is a jazz singer, composer and lyricist based in Dublin who will work with percussionist Thomas Duffy to gain a deeper understanding of Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian rhythms.

Íde Ní Shúilleabháin a Cork based visual artist and Crawford Supported Studio member will attend silkscreen and etching workshops at Cork Printmakers.

Karol Mac Gairbheith is a visual artist based in Letterkenny based who will attend a life drawing course at the RHA and a drawing workshop at the Burren College of Art.

Mary Crossin is a harp player based in Co Donegal who will work with Irish harp performer, composer and teacher Dr Janet Harbison to expand her repertoire and ability to compose and arrange music for recording.

Stephen Garland a playwright and performer based in Longford will attend a Creative Writing for Publication course at NUI Maynooth.

Tiernan Jones is a Carlow based musician who will work with composer, performer, songwriter, arranger, producer and teacher Carole Nelson to prepare for Grade 8 clarinet exams and develop his skills as a composer.

‘2019 was the most competitive and successful year of the Arts and Disability Connect scheme. The awards will give 14 artists with disabilities in Ireland the opportunity to realise their creative vision, enter exciting collaborations and acquire new skills.’ Pádraig Naughton, Executive Director of Arts & Disability Ireland.

The Arts and Disability Connect scheme is funded by the Arts Council and managed by Arts & Disability Ireland. The next round of Arts and Disability Connect will be in 2020.

Image caption: Caitríona (Tara Breathnach) and Mara (Orla Ní Thiobraide) in a scene from NoRopes Theatre Company’s production of Wake at the Town Hall Studio. Wake was directed by Mairéad Folan and written by Deirdre Sullivan. Mairéad Folan received an Arts and Disability Connect New Work award in 2018 and a Mentoring Award in 2017. Photo: Seán Ó Mainnín, 2019