In Our Own Image - history of photography practices in Ireland

Photo Museum Ireland’s year-long In Our Own Image programme presents the first comprehensive historical and critical survey of photography in Ireland. This landmark centenary programme charts how the medium has recorded, represented and shaped Irish cultural identities. Viewed through the work of the key practitioners from the earliest photographic pioneers to today’s acclaimed contemporary artists, it examines how photography has served as a mirror for shifting experiences and diverse perspectives – defining how we view ourselves today. Presented as a series of curated chapters presented in partnership with artists, guest-curators, writers, educators, cultural organisations, archives, galleries and museums, this year-long programme charts the development of photographic practices in Ireland.

In Our Own Image reveals the depth of our shared photographic heritage, viewed through important works by key photographers held in leading archives, cultural institutions, museums, and private collections. Multi-site exhibitions, events, interactive timeline, online programmes and publications combine to examine how photography has recorded and shaped diverse cultural identities in Ireland. Innovative public art and online programmes invite audiences to contribute to conversations around what it means to be Irish today. Collectively, the programme serves to establish the canon of photography in Ireland. This multi-site year-long season of exhibitions, online programmes, installations, events and education programmes launched in November 2021 and continues until November 2022.

Year-long programme charting photography practices

In Our Own Image reveals the depth of our shared photographic heritage, viewed through important works by key photographers held in leading archives, cultural institutions, museums, and private collections. Multi-site exhibitions, events, interactive timeline, online programmes and publications combine to examine how photography has recorded and shaped diverse cultural identities in Ireland. Innovative public art and online programmes invite audiences to contribute to conversations around what it means to be Irish today.

Project partners and funders:
This centenary programme is presented by Photo Museum Ireland in partnership with Dublin City Council Commemorative Committee, leading national cultural institutions, Dublin Castle/OPW, School of History UCD, and the Heritage Council of Ireland. 

Supported by Dublin City Council Commemorative Committee, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Heritage Council of Ireland, Office of Public Works, Dublin Castle, RTÉ Supporting the Arts and Nerve Centre/ Creative Centenaries NI. Presented by Gallery of Photography Ireland and the Office of Public Works, Dublin Castle, in partnership with the National Library of Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland, National Museums NI, the National Archives, PRONI, RTÉ Archives, UCD Archives, Irish Folklore Commission, University College Cork, Creative Ireland and the Arts Council of Ireland.