Connecting Artists, Building Communities: Celebrating Collective Impact at Connections Art Centre
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Published on
June 10, 2026
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Lorraine, our Community Education Officer, attended the launch of our CEN member Connections Art Centre (CAC) Connecting Artists and Collective Impact Report 2022–2026 yesterday.
About Connections Art Centre
Connections Art Centre champions Arts, Lifestyle, and Community Education programmes that promote inclusion, bridge education gaps, and counteract devaluation for people with disabilities. (www.connectionsartscentre.ie)
The Centre operates under three guiding pillars: Creativity, Community, and Change. Through these, CAC delivers a wide range of programmes that support:
- Adults with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergent individuals
- Transition Year (TY) students engaged in collaborative learning experiences.
- Organisations, businesses, and community groups through training initiatives
- National partners, networks, and government-supported organisations
- The wider public through inclusive classes and events
Programmes Offered by CAC
Connecting Artists Programme
Supports visual artists with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergence, including exhibitions and opportunities to showcase and sell artwork.
Creative TY Connections (CTYC)
A unique programme bringing together adults with disabilities and Transition Year students. It focuses on building skills, confidence, and social inclusion through modules such as:
- Digital Skills
- Money Management
- Employment Skills
ACT (Accessibility Training)
Training for organisations on accessibility and inclusion helps improve communication and workplace inclusivity.
Community Classes (Rathgar)
Weekly inclusive arts and lifestyle classes open to everyone.
CAC Community
Membership and partnership opportunities for individuals and organisations to support programmes.
A Celebratory event in CAC Rathgar
The event was held in CAC’s newly refurbished Hub in Christ Church, Rathgar, and featured a celebratory exhibition showcasing the wonderful artwork created by participants. It marked five years of the Connecting Artists Programme, which supports artists with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergent artists.
The report was officially launched by Jerry Buttimer T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and at the Department of Transport. In his remarks, the Minister highlighted the importance of initiatives like this, noting that they “promote inclusion and allow people the opportunity to flourish.” He also shared a personal connection to the event, mentioning that he is the proud owner of an artwork created by Jo, one of the exhibiting artists.
Broadcaster and CAC Patron, Miriam O’Callaghan, hosted a panel discussion with participating artists, giving attendees a powerful insight into the impact of the programme.
When asked what the initiative meant to them, one participant shared:
“Being accepted means so much to us. We made friends here — we’re like a little collective.”
Reflecting on the impact of the programme, artist Jennifer Humphries, a collective artist, said:
“I created my own business from scratch with the support of Connections Art Centre.”
Thomas Higgins, another collective artist, spoke about the deeper personal impact:
“Being part of a community, I would go so far as to say being part of a family, it gave me the strength to come out of my comfort zone. My work gets stronger — it brings you from A-Z.”
Participants also spoke passionately about the support they receive from the wonderful tutors, most notably Dee Kennelly, who joined them on the panel:
“She’s there, she’s right behind us, a part of our personal journey.” Jenney Humphries
Robert Hallan also joined the panel, reflecting on the growth of his son, Jo:
“Witnessing how impactful the programme is — the impact of CAC is phenomenal. Inclusion is huge. A lot of people in this room would not feel that if it wasn’t for CAC.”
A special moment during the event was the recognition of CAC founder and CEO, Miriam Spollen. Her dedication and vision were acknowledged as instrumental in the organisation’s success,
“One woman pushed this through and has made a success of it,” Miriam O’Callaghan.
The artwork on display and the inclusive atmosphere showcased the incredible talent of participants, highlighting the importance of supporting and funding initiatives like these, which foster creativity, inclusion, and empower individuals to embrace and excel in their talents.
Connections Art Centre continues to demonstrate how inclusive arts programmes can transform lives — creating not only opportunities, but a true sense of belonging.
The work of CAC was deservedly recognised by The National Social Enterprise Awards 2025, in the Training, Work Integration, and Lifelong Learning category. AONTAS is delighted to call Connection’s Art Centre a member, and we look forward to seeing what’s next for CAC.
If you would like to learn more about Connections Art Centre, visit their website https://www.connectionsartscentre.ie/
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Connecting Artists, Building Communities: Celebrating Collective Impact at Connections Art Centre
Written by
Published on
June 10, 2026
Share This
Lorraine, our Community Education Officer, attended the launch of our CEN member Connections Art Centre (CAC) Connecting Artists and Collective Impact Report 2022–2026 yesterday.
About Connections Art Centre
Connections Art Centre champions Arts, Lifestyle, and Community Education programmes that promote inclusion, bridge education gaps, and counteract devaluation for people with disabilities. (www.connectionsartscentre.ie)
The Centre operates under three guiding pillars: Creativity, Community, and Change. Through these, CAC delivers a wide range of programmes that support:
- Adults with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergent individuals
- Transition Year (TY) students engaged in collaborative learning experiences.
- Organisations, businesses, and community groups through training initiatives
- National partners, networks, and government-supported organisations
- The wider public through inclusive classes and events
Programmes Offered by CAC
Connecting Artists Programme
Supports visual artists with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergence, including exhibitions and opportunities to showcase and sell artwork.
Creative TY Connections (CTYC)
A unique programme bringing together adults with disabilities and Transition Year students. It focuses on building skills, confidence, and social inclusion through modules such as:
- Digital Skills
- Money Management
- Employment Skills
ACT (Accessibility Training)
Training for organisations on accessibility and inclusion helps improve communication and workplace inclusivity.
Community Classes (Rathgar)
Weekly inclusive arts and lifestyle classes open to everyone.
CAC Community
Membership and partnership opportunities for individuals and organisations to support programmes.
A Celebratory event in CAC Rathgar
The event was held in CAC’s newly refurbished Hub in Christ Church, Rathgar, and featured a celebratory exhibition showcasing the wonderful artwork created by participants. It marked five years of the Connecting Artists Programme, which supports artists with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergent artists.
The report was officially launched by Jerry Buttimer T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and at the Department of Transport. In his remarks, the Minister highlighted the importance of initiatives like this, noting that they “promote inclusion and allow people the opportunity to flourish.” He also shared a personal connection to the event, mentioning that he is the proud owner of an artwork created by Jo, one of the exhibiting artists.
Broadcaster and CAC Patron, Miriam O’Callaghan, hosted a panel discussion with participating artists, giving attendees a powerful insight into the impact of the programme.
When asked what the initiative meant to them, one participant shared:
“Being accepted means so much to us. We made friends here — we’re like a little collective.”
Reflecting on the impact of the programme, artist Jennifer Humphries, a collective artist, said:
“I created my own business from scratch with the support of Connections Art Centre.”
Thomas Higgins, another collective artist, spoke about the deeper personal impact:
“Being part of a community, I would go so far as to say being part of a family, it gave me the strength to come out of my comfort zone. My work gets stronger — it brings you from A-Z.”
Participants also spoke passionately about the support they receive from the wonderful tutors, most notably Dee Kennelly, who joined them on the panel:
“She’s there, she’s right behind us, a part of our personal journey.” Jenney Humphries
Robert Hallan also joined the panel, reflecting on the growth of his son, Jo:
“Witnessing how impactful the programme is — the impact of CAC is phenomenal. Inclusion is huge. A lot of people in this room would not feel that if it wasn’t for CAC.”
A special moment during the event was the recognition of CAC founder and CEO, Miriam Spollen. Her dedication and vision were acknowledged as instrumental in the organisation’s success,
“One woman pushed this through and has made a success of it,” Miriam O’Callaghan.
The artwork on display and the inclusive atmosphere showcased the incredible talent of participants, highlighting the importance of supporting and funding initiatives like these, which foster creativity, inclusion, and empower individuals to embrace and excel in their talents.
Connections Art Centre continues to demonstrate how inclusive arts programmes can transform lives — creating not only opportunities, but a true sense of belonging.
The work of CAC was deservedly recognised by The National Social Enterprise Awards 2025, in the Training, Work Integration, and Lifelong Learning category. AONTAS is delighted to call Connection’s Art Centre a member, and we look forward to seeing what’s next for CAC.
If you would like to learn more about Connections Art Centre, visit their website https://www.connectionsartscentre.ie/
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