“Discovering the Power of Art” was a dynamic and immersive series of workshops developed in collaboration with the Draw Mind Matters youth group, based at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre in Skibbereen, Ireland. Taking place throughout 2024, the project was created in partnership with Em Ocaiallagh / Ball, and brought together young people aged 13 to 18 to explore their creativity in a supportive and inspiring environment.

The core aim of the workshops was to unlock the participants’ artistic potential and deepen their connection to the creative process. Through a unique blend of visual arts, theatre, and live performance (or “happenings”), the sessions offered a space for self-expression, experimentation, and collaborative creation.

Each workshop encouraged the young artists to push boundaries, take creative risks, and discover new ways of communicating their ideas and experiences. The multimedia approach allowed for rich cross-disciplinary exploration, where painting, drawing, movement, storytelling, and improvisation intersected in surprising and powerful ways.

Beyond skill-building, the workshops focused on empowerment—fostering confidence, agency, and a sense of belonging. By engaging with contemporary artistic practices and working closely with professional artists, participants were not only exposed to new techniques but were also encouraged to see themselves as creators with something valuable to express

The “Discovering the Power of Art” series stands as a testament to the transformative potential of the arts in the lives of young people, and the importance of spaces that nurture creativity, dialogue, and personal growt.