A LARGE crowd gathered for an exhibition co-curated by an Athy man David Delaney at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Friday 7 February. They gathered to celebrate the launch of 12, an exhibition exploring the complexities of addiction and recovery. The event, which was both deeply moving and thought-provoking, was warmly received by attendees.
Anthony Rogers and Liam Carey
The evening was hosted by Michelle de Forge, director of Dunamaise Arts Centre, and featured compelling speeches from Michelle Robertson, co-founder of The ARC Project (thearcproject.ie), and Grá Byrne, a counsellor with Cuan Mhuire, who also participated in the project.
Sandra O’Reilly and Liam Breen
Their words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the importance of dialogue and creative expression in addressing addiction and recovery.
Colette Robertson Daly and Sally Murphy
A hard-hitting and visually striking video on addiction, created by Charles James Walker, was screened, leaving a lasting impact on those in attendance. The combination of visual storytelling and music created an atmosphere of reflection and awareness.
Eva Musialska, Cal Jackman and Honor Hales
The exhibition is the brainchild of David Delaney and Ciara Buckley, who curated the event with the aim of shedding light on personal and collective experiences through addiction and recovery.
Kathy Martin, Gillian Rogers and Larry O’Keefe
Featuring a range of artistic expressions, including photography, written pieces and mixed media, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with the raw and honest narratives of those affected by addiction.
Clara Moonen with Seán Fleming TD at the 12 exhibition launch
The exhibition is open to the public, free of charge, until 22 March, providing an opportunity for the wider community to experience the stories and emotions captured in 12. More information about the project can be found at thatday.ie. Music was provided by Tim Drennan.
Pat Duggan, Ciara Buckley and Pauline O’Connor
The launch of 12 stands as a testament to the power of art in fostering conversation, breaking stigma and offering hope to individuals and their families affected by addiction.
The overwhelming response from attendees underscores the importance of creative projects like this in driving meaningful dialogue and social change.
