Artzeimer’s project hopes to raise awareness of the disease
By Laura Lyne
A TALLAGHT-based art project that has grown from strength-to-strength since its creation two years ago is looking to establish emerging artists as part of its platform in its “artist’s callout” for 2016/17.
ARTzheimer’s, based within Rua Red, presents an exhibition of artistic collaborations to highlight the “many complex issues and consequences” for those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
This year’s ARTzheimer’s “Artist Callout” aims to attract unestablished and emerging artists to its platform, and will offer a commission to chosen artists for their work which will be showcased for at least two years across Ireland.
Other benefits for chosen artists include promotion through the ARTzheimer’s touring exhibition and links through its website and social media.
Tallaght resident Eimear Farrell, who is the curator and director of ARTzheimer’s, created the project after befriending Leo Casey, an artist with Alzheimer’s.
Eimear told The Echo: “Over the last two years, many people visiting an ARTzheimer’s exhibition have had a personal experience of Alzheimer’s, while others may have lost a loved one to the disease.
“Our vision for ARTzheimer’s is to become a sustainable ‘social enterprise’, that enables conversations about Alzheimer’s disease through the medium of art, a touring exhibition and an educational programme for schools and art colleges throughout the world.
“We are presenting the issues of Alzheimer’s disease from its present lacklustre social confinement to the vibrancy of mainstream culture. It is our belief that issues colourfully highlighted create an awareness of the disease on a local, national and international level.”
Eimear will also take to the stage later this year at “Zeminar”, Dublin’s largest and most inclusive summit for senior cycle students in the RDS in October, where she will be joined by speakers such as Bressie, Dr Rhona Mahony (Master of NMH), Fr Peter McVerry, Maria Walsh (International Rose of Tralee 2014), Dermot Whelan (Radio Host with Today FM) and Mark Little (Founder of Storyful).
Applications for the ARTzheimer’s artist callout will be accepted up until July 1 at 5pm and can be completed online at www.artzheimers.com.
