What arts participation means to me

Engaging in the arts has always been a cornerstone of my life, nurturing my mental health and enriching my well-being. This personal journey has fueled my passion to share these transformative experiences with others.

My very first professional production The Haunted History Tour in 2006/7 offered the audience a chance to step back into history. The viewing public were treated as prisoners, who were guided by a warden as they met with other prisoners. In 2009 my production of The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler, organised in collaboration with Gráinne O'Driscoll, allowed me to direct a community cast of 20 female artists, some of whom had never performed on a stage before. This play which uses dialogue about the vagina in its many uses, and facets, from sexual to reproductive, from pleasurable to abusive, called both men and women to protect our sisters/ mothers/ daughters/ girlfriends/ wives/ friends from violence. In addition to performing it for our four audiences in Cork city and county, we shared the visual art of Anne Ffrench and Mary Cooke, and raised funds to support women in violent situations. 90% of the proceeds from this fundraising event went to local charities which aid Cork women and girls; Domestic Violence Centre, Sexual violence Centre, YANA (You are not Alone), Mna Feasa, with 10% donated to aid women in the Congo (DRC).

The Garden of Imagination which facilitates public participants to creatively engage, has been adapting and developing within my practise since 2008. In 2013, I spearheaded The Gathering-RSVP, a promenade performance that wove together film, music, dance, and poetry into a promenade perfomance with a community of artists. This project not only celebrated our shared heritage but also fostered a deeper connection within our community.

In 2018, I had the honour of writing, casting and directing a community cast for A Night on the Town produced by Denis Eivers in aid of Cork Samaritans, we had one advance mini performance as part of Mental Health Week at Cork University Hospital. The full show, which blended theatre, music, and dance, went on at the Everyman Theatre. It was a powerful reminder of how the arts can foster connection, promote well-being, and provide a meaningful outlet for expression. The collaboration and energy from the community were truly inspiring.

Connections has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career, blending creativity, community, and personal growth. Launched in 2011, its processes continue to empower participants to push their boundaries and experience the transformative power of collaborative filmmaking.

My commitment to community engagement has continued in 2023 with the Kinsale Youth Theatre Project, where I continue to lead workshops and productions to ignite young people's creativity. This initiative aimed to provide a platform for youth expression, building confidence and a sense of belonging.

For so many Culture Night audiences, and seasonal audiences, I have directed and curated events that invited communities to explore and celebrate their rich cultural tapestry. These gatherings underscored the importance of shared experiences in strengthening communal bonds. From Christmas to Easter to Halloween, and in youth initiatives like the annual McCarthy's Community Talent Competition (2010-2020), as well as, drawing together the performers, producers and music video cast for the award winning Embrace the world, (2022) all of these events are examples of how arts participation creates supportive bonds, strong friendships, and community resiliance, as well as produces art.

As a producer, collaborating with artists like Yvon Bonenfant previously on Loop Love in association with Cope Foundation, and now on "The Opposite of Queer Trauma" (2024/25) has been profoundly rewarding. This vocal art project delves into themes of identity and healing, offering participants a unique avenue for self-expression, which will culminate in an intimate performance during Cork Midsummer Festival.

My longstanding involvement in organising Kinsale's Halloween festivities (2014-current) has been a labour of love. Transforming these celebrations into authentic Samhain observances of An Tulca Festival, with its two participatory parades in collaboration with Éidín Griffen and Katy Mullins, and many more making days and events in the community has deepened our collective understanding of tradition and its significance.

In addition to these endeavours, co-founding Inclusive Dance Cork (2022) and serving as chairperson of Dance Cork Firkin Crane have allowed me to champion inclusive artistic expression. These roles have been instrumental in making dance accessible to all, fostering a sense of community and well-being.

Participating in the arts has been a wellspring of personal healing and joy. Research supports that such engagement can lead to improved mental health, reduced depression, and a greater sense of life satisfaction. I have referenced one instance of external research, but I have seen the tangiable proof of it for myself in so many productions and events over the course of my career.

By sharing these experiences, and by creating new arts participation experiences, I hope to continue to inspire others to discover the profound benefits of artistic participation, engagement and expression.