Exhibition honours the complex history of Athy workhouse
Artist and photographer Brian Cregan
ATHY’s Art House is hosting another wonderful art project, which started on 6 March and continues until 20 March.
‘Reclaiming the workhouse’ is a collaborative, socially-engaged art project between artist-photographer Brian Cregan and communities from Athy District. Together they set out to explore and reflect on the heritage and history of the workhouse in Athy through a series of creative workshops.
Like many workhouses in Ireland, Athy workhouse has undergone significant transformations, from an institution associated with hardship and oppression to a hospital providing care for older people. The project seeks to honour this complex history while engaging new generations in meaningful discussions about the past.
‘Reclaiming the workhouse’ provided creative opportunities to explore themes of place, heritage, and identity reflecting Kildare’s cultural and creative community while fostering well-being through creative participation. Brian collaborated with Scoil Phádraig Naofa teacher Clodagh Doyle, fifth class pupils and their teachers to create a series of photographs reflecting the heritage and natural environment of Athy.
Brian Cregan said: “Photography is a great tool that enables children to express themselves and the way they look at the world. As an artist, I am constantly inspired by their inventiveness and imagination.”
The exhibition also includes photographs taken by adult participants during a series of photography workshops at Athy Library and with Athy Photographic Society.
For more information on the project, see Reclaiming the Workhouse – Creative Ireland Programme at www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/event/exhibition-reclaiming-the-workhouse.
