Art Project
Luisne Art Project



Exploration and creativity are at the heart of Luisne Art Project which provides a long-term arts project for people with intellectual disabilities in Crannmór Centre, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. The workshops are self-directed with one-to-
one expert guidance in a group setting with professional artists. Project priorities include access to high quality materials and studio space, and a focus on process rather than product. Creativity becomes a real and consistent part of participant artists lives. Participant artists increase their skills in painting in a range of art forms. This in turn increases confidence, decision making skills and self-awareness.
This partnership project was initiated in December 2005 and is supported by Mayo County Council Arts Service and Western Care with administrative support provided by Tacú, Ballinrobe Family Resource Centre.
The aim of the programme has been to establish a long-term art project of
quality, which responds to the talents and needs of the participants of the
Crann Mór centre. It recognises the importance of art and creativity as a
positive and powerful force in the lives of the individuals. A project steering
group oversees the project.
This project has provided participants from Crann Mór Centre with the
opportunity to explore their creative potential. The group has attained a very
high level of artistic excellence in a variety of arts practices; painting, print,
mosaic, three-dimensional work, animation and creative writing. The Luisne
artists, while attending the art workshops at Tacú Family Resource Centre,
have the opportunity to meet and get to know both members of staff at Tacú
as well as members of the wider community. Luisne artists have become
identified as artists who are engaged in their art practice in this community
setting and often share their experience with others.
The group has achieved many high profile exhibitions – in The National
Museum of Ireland -Country Life, The Linenhall Arts Centre - Castlebar,
University Hospital Galway and The Custom House Studios – Westport,
Ballina Arts centre, and Kilkenny Arts Festival. Luisne artists continue to
collaborate with other artist groups, KCAT, Mens Shed groups and student
groups throughout the county.

