As part of Photo Museum Ireland’s ongoing Artist in Commission Residency, artist Laura Dunwoody developed a long-term socially engaged photography project with young people in Dublin.
Selected through an open call for our Irish Photo Network Artist Commission & Residency, Laura’s residency supports the development of new work that brings together photography, education and community engagement. Working closely with the Photo Museum Ireland team, Laura has been exploring analogue photography, darkroom processes, scanning facilities and workshop-based practice, while building a collaborative project rooted in identity, self-representation and youth voice.
Below, Laura reflects on her residency experience so far:
I was absolutely over the moon when I was selected for this year’s Irish Photo Network Commission & Residency at Photo Museum Ireland. I had submitted my photography graduation project for the open call last summer, which was a socially engaged community arts and documentary project.
My residency proposal was to work on a long-term collaborative project with youth services in Dublin. Through hands-on and engaging photography workshops, I’m working with youth groups to merge art education and social empowerment. Providing these young people with the time and space to explore their own identity and self-representation through photography allows us to create opportunity for meaningful personal and social development.
Before my first interaction with the museum, I felt slightly unnerved. This was my first residency and I really didn’t know what to expect. It was such a relief to meet the team at the museum, who were so open, encouraging and warm from the very beginning. Trish and Darren welcomed me and introduced me to all the elements the residency would include. They were, and continue to be, a great support and mentorship to both the project and to me individually.
I work with an educational approach in my practice, so I have been working closely with Vita, one of the Educational Officers at the museum. Our interests are closely aligned, so working under Vita’s guidance felt like a natural fit. She has years of experience teaching young people, so having her feedback throughout the process has been a huge help. My project is taking place in Dublin 1, so it has also worked out really well to be based in the museum, which located in the heart of Dublin’s city centre.
On the professional side, the museum invited me to give artist talks with participating school groups during photography workshop days. This was a valuable experience and gave me the opportunity to communicate my practice in a different environment, and to an audience I wouldn’t normally engage with. Having the opportunity to develop so many skills within my practice, both practical and conceptual, while also expanding my professional capabilities within a supportive environment has been incredibly rewarding.
Darragh, Photo Museum Ireland’s Darkroom Technician, introduced me to darkroom printing and the scanning facilities at the museum. Again, he has been so knowledgeable and patient with me throughout the weeks we’ve worked together. I’m shooting the whole project on analogue film, so having access to the scanning facilities has been incredible.
After graduating, it can feel quite daunting to no longer have the safety net of classmates and teachers to guide you, so I know I am extremely fortunate to take part in this residency directly after my studies. It has been a healthy progression for me to step into these new professional territories while still having the support of the Photo Museum Ireland team to advise and encourage me along the way. It has been hugely reassuring, and I’m incredibly grateful for this wonderful opportunity.
Laura Dunwoody, Ballymun boxing club, from the series Nothing Lasts Forever
Laura Dunwoody, Caoimhe on the bus, from the series Nothing Lasts Forever
Laura Dunwoody, Golden hour, from the series Nothing Lasts Forever
Laura Dunwoody, Graffiti, from the series Nothing Lasts Forever
Laura Dunwoody, Horse in a field, from the series Nothing Lasts Forever
