This project ‘Social Engagement and Practice – Deepening Connections’ proposes to build on the success of our 2024 Creative Ireland project to expand our support of socially engaged artistic practice by working with a community group over an extended period of time. For this project STAC will work with highly experienced socially engaged artist, Séamus Nolan, to engage with the Clonmel Traveller community over a 6–8-month period to develop collaborative work with participants that will result in the flagship exhibition at STAC for Clonmel Junction Arts Festival 2026. Mentorship of local artists is also a central aspect of this project and includes 2 days of mentorship as well as an opportunity for a local artist developing a socially engaged practice to work with Séamus on the project, which will be selected through an Open Call.

The aim of this project is to expand our support of socially engaged artistic practice and to highlight the importance of ‘time’ when engaging authentically within community. We also hope to highlight the benefits to both community and artist when projects are approached in this way and to further embed and foster a culture of socially engaged practices and practitioners in the locale.

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