I am thrilled to announce to a new series of free Cultural Art Therapy workshops for women who have experienced domestic abuse. These workshops, hosted every Wednesday in January 2025, are supported by the National Gallery of Ireland to foster healing and empowerment through creativity.
Workshop Details:
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Dates & Themes:
- Wednesday, 8th January: Clay
- Wednesday, 15th January: Collage
- Wednesday, 22nd January: Weaving
- Wednesday, 29th January: Print
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
- Location: National Gallery of Ireland address is Merrion Square West Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 K303
- Cost: Free
Each workshop stands alone, so you can attend one, several, or all four. No art experience is needed—just a willingness to explore creativity in a safe, supportive space.
What is Cultural Art Therapy?
Cultural Art Therapy is a unique approach that combines therapeutic art-making with engagement in cultural spaces such as galleries and museums. It allows participants to explore their feelings, express themselves non-verbally, and connect with their cultural heritage and environment in a meaningful way.
In 2023, alongside the Gallery Education Team and Saoirse Women's Domestic Abuse Services, I introduced Cultural Art Therapy to the National Gallery of Ireland through the ‘No Words’ project.(watch video here). This innovative program was designed for women who had experienced domestic abuse and provided a space for healing through creative expression. By engaging with the gallery’s collections and creating their own art, participants found new ways to process trauma, build resilience, and foster a sense of community.
This new series builds on the success of ‘No Words,’ offering workshops that are importantly co-created with input from women who experienced of domestic abuse to ensure they meet the unique needs of participants.
How to Register:
To join us, please [sign up here]. You can choose to attend one or more workshops (please note spaces are limited for the groups).
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact me at 0892527419 on arttherapyireland@outlook.com or via the contact page here on the website.
We look forward to welcoming you to this creative journey.
Andrea Clare Plunkett
Chair, Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists
Art Psychotherapist
Resident Art Therapist @ National Gallery of Ireland