Mullingar Arch Club working with Claire Garry, Tutor & Artist.  

Mullingar Arch Club is a social club and activity hub for people with additional needs, which Claire founded in 2018, located in Columb Barracks, Mullingar. They are fully inclusive and have members with autism, down syndrome, prada villi syndrome, general intellectual disability, and ADHD.  Approximately 25% of our members also have physical disabilities, including sight/ hearing impairments. They are 100% volunteer led and driven.

The group starts at age 13 and work closely with local special needs schools and Autism units in mainstream schools to encourage participation of youths with additional needs.

The project involves working towards a large scale installation located at Columb Barracks, with elements installed through the grounds that would serve as a safe and enjoyable space for the general public, particularly those adults and children with sensory issues. Each element is intended to be touched, and sat on, eaten off, enjoyed with every sense, and to simply provide a little hide-away from life. 

Claire's main focus will be combining colour, sound, scale, touch, smells and temperature to create a respite from daily life, and an emotional battery recharge.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.