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Inaugural Visual Artists in Residence announced
Inaugural Visual Artists in Residence announced

Inaugural Visual Artists in Residence announced

DCU takes action as pressure grows on Cultural and Creative Spaces

Work continues to develop North Dublin Cultural Quarter

DCU is delighted to announce the selection of Joanna Hopkins and Mandy O’Neill as the University’s inaugural Visual Artists in Residence.

The appointments are part of DCU’s visual arts strategy across the University's three campuses in North Dublin.

Their 12-month residencies commence this October, based at historic Drumcondra House on DCU’s All Hallows campus.

The artists will avail of funded studio spaces and other supports, and will engage with members of the DCU community as they develop new work.

The residencies were offered in collaboration Fire Station Artists’ Studios. Joanna Hopkins is a highly regarded artist who has exhibited across Ireland, Asia, the USA, UK and Europe.

She works predominantly in film, drawing and installation. During the residency Joanna plans to  develop her current body of work based on the themes of the female body, memory and the brain, and plans to engage with research staff in the DCU  School of Psychology, to explore behavioral science.

Mandy O’Neill is an award-winning photographer and visual artist whose work has been inspired by long term engagement with children and young people in the context of primary and post-primary schools in central Dublin.

A solo exhibition of her work with schools is currently at the Gallery of Photography in Temple Bar.

During the residency, Mandy plans to engage with DCU staff and students and explore the architectural landscape of the University.

Commenting on the new Artists in Residence DCU’s Visual Arts Officer Marcella Bannon said:

“DCU is delighted to be able to support these outstanding artists. We are keenly aware that many visual artists are being forced out of the city due to a lack of affordable studio space.

This initiative is part of our increasing efforts to support artists and to make the Visual Arts a central part of DCU’s cultural life.”

DCU President Brian MacCraith said:

“By opening up new creative spaces, and through other initiatives, DCU is delivering on its strategic goal of nurturing Creativity and Culture across the University.

These residencies are also a positive step as we advance DCU’s vision to create a North Dublin Cultural Quarter in cooperation with other stakeholders in the region.”