Meet the 6 artists that will lead the next phase of GAP’s Ballymun is Brilliant project; a vibrant, community-focused initiative exploring the creativity and resilience of the people of Ballymun.
Running until the end of 2025, this initiative – funded by Creative Ireland – will connect residents with local and national artists to explore themes of nature, community and sustainability through art, workshops, and public events.
For more information about this exciting project, visit www.ballymunisbrilliant.ie
In November 2024, GAP and our project partners Axis Ballymun and The Rediscovery Centre selected 6 incredible artists to lead the next stage of the project. During 2025, they will use art and creativity to engage with the Ballymun community, and promote conversations around climate change, sustainability and justice.
Here’s a closer look at the artists that will lead the Ballymun Is Brilliant project:
Niamh O’Beirne
Multidisciplinary artist Niamh O’Beirne will lead Ballymun Spirit/Spiorad Baile Muna, a collaborative project celebrating our deep connection to the land. Through workshops, Niamh will work with Ballymun residents to create a “Spirit Map,” capturing Ballymun’s unique history, culture and relationship with nature. This living archive will culminate in a public exhibition in 2025.
The Walls Project
Renowned for their large-scale murals and community-driven art, The Walls Project will lead a climate-focused initiative in Ballymun. Following workshops on environmental challenges, the group will commission a mural designed by and for the community. Residents will help bring this inspiring artwork to life, showcasing their vision for climate action and justice.
Cabbage & Kraut
This creative duo, Maria Canavan and Sarah Quinn, will spotlight Ballymun’s grassroots food communities through a discovery trail. Engaging locals through workshops and events, they’ll celebrate sustainable food systems and encourage broader participation. Their playful, accessible approach will highlight Ballymun’s vibrant efforts to nourish its people and land.
Adam Mohamed
Ballymun poet Adam Mohamed will work with residents to craft a stunning book of short stories, poetry, and photographs inspired by the four seasons. Through workshops and storytelling sessions, this community-created work will capture Ballymun’s essence, showcasing its spirit and creativity in a published book and live exhibition.
Mark Clare
Interdisciplinary artist Mark Clare will invite residents to explore the natural world from a multispecies perspective. Through creative workshops, participants will connect with local ecosystems and co-create a procession celebrating Ballymun’s biodiversity. This project will inspire a deeper understanding of collaboration and coexistence with nature.
Sophie Carroll-Hunt
Visual artist Sophie Carroll-Hunt will lead workshops in sustainable fashion, teaching residents how to upcycle textiles using printmaking techniques. Her project will culminate in a pop-up live printing event, inviting the community to transform clothing and spark conversations around climate justice.
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Art as a pathway to Hope and Confidence in Ballymun
The Ballymun Is Brilliant (BIB) project uses the power of art to bring people together, share stories, and spark new ideas for the future.
Through activities like storytelling, murals and performances, BIB wants to create safe and welcoming spaces where everyone can feel heard, valued and inspired.
In BIB, artists play a special role. They help people explore their experiences, share their
challenges, and imagine what a better future could look like. Artists work closely with the community to talk about issues that matter to the people of Ballymun. By creating a space for honest conversations, the BIB artists give people a chance to connect with each other and explore experiences, ideas and options.
The ultimate goal of the BIB project is to help people feel hopeful and more confident, and empowered to make changes in their community.
When someone sees their story turned into a piece of art or hears their ideas in a performance, they realise that they have something valuable to offer. This boosts their confidence and belief that their views and actions matter. Hope grows when people see others in the community working together and sharing similar goals. This sense of connection creates stronger bonds between neighbours and helps the community come together to face challenges.
Ballymun Is Brilliant isn’t just about creating art; it’s about creating a better future for all.
By helping people share their stories and imagine new possibilities, the project hopes to help
give the community the tools needed to work toward positive change. When people have hope and confidence, they feel ready to take the first steps toward solving problems and building something better.
BIB believes that art is more than creativity; it’s a way to bring people together, build trust and show that everyone has the power to help shape the future. It’s a way to enable people to find their voice, imagine new possibilities and take the first steps toward lasting change.