Photo Museum Ireland recently delivered an artist-led participatory photography programme with a group of young people in partnership with Southside Partnership
Supported by the Heritage Council and the Arts Council of Ireland, the programme invited participants to use photography as a way to reflect on identity, place, memory and connection. Through a series of creative workshops, participants worked with artists and educators to develop their own visual responses, building skills while shaping work from their own experiences and perspectives.
Led by Photo Museum Ireland’s Education Team, Vita Ryan and Darragh Shanahan, alongside artists Tara Nixon O’Neill and Donal Talbot, the programme created a supportive space for young people to experiment with image-making, discussion and visual storytelling. The process centred participant voice, allowing each young person to engage with photography as an artistic practice and a tool for self-representation.
The resulting work was exhibited at dlr LexIcon Library, Dún Laoghaire, as part of Refugee Week Ireland, creating an opportunity for participants to share their perspectives with a wider public audience and take part in a meaningful cultural moment.
This project reflects Photo Museum Ireland’s ongoing commitment to participatory arts practice, inclusive arts education and meaningful engagement with young people and communities. Through artist-led programmes, collaborative learning and partnership working, Photo Museum Ireland continues to support access to photography as a space for creative agency, confidence-building and connection.
The Museum Standards Programme of Ireland (MSPI) is the national benchmark for excellence in museum practice. It is an initiative administered by the Heritage Council.
