I had an amazing opportunity to work with Run of the Mill, a group of adults with Down syndrome, as part of my bursary from the Arts Council. Alongside Aisling Byrne, the Artistic Director of Run of the Mill Theatre, I embarked on a residency with the group, which proved to be an incredibly enriching experience.
During my time with Run of the Mill, I had the chance to gain valuable insights into how art can be used as a tool for communication, expression, and connection. People with Down syndrome often face barriers to communication and social interaction, and creative projects can be a powerful way to overcome these challenges.
Rewarding, transformative, impactful
Through this residency, I learned a great deal about the unique perspectives, talents, and challenges of people with Down syndrome, and developed my own skills as an artist and collaborator.
The Arts Council’s Bursary allowed me to immerse myself in this project and make a positive impact in the lives of the Run of the Mill participants. I am grateful for this opportunity and I hope to continue to apply what I learned to my future artistic endeavors, while advocating for the inclusion and empowerment of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities in the arts.
More about Run of the Mill: https://www.runofthemill.ie
Photography: Sadhbh McLoughlin
Photography: Luis Mavszak