1–22 FEBRUARY 2003
2003 - EUROPEAN YEAR OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The National Training and Development Institute instigated eleven, six month artist-in-residence projects, in as many locations throughout Ireland during 2002.

This exhibition represents a cross section of work produced and NTDI are proud to present Art Reach 3, in association with the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery.

2003 has been designated the European Year of Disabled Citizens as a direct response by the European Commission to the fact that there are 37 million people in Europe who experience disability. The key objectives of this endeavour are:

• To promote understanding and acceptance of citizens with disabilities
• To encourage disabled people to express their views
• To take action in order to improve disabled peoples lives.

Art Reach 3 endeavoured to provide those who work and train in NTDI with the opportunity to discover their ability and interest in the visual arts. For many participants this exhibition represents their first engagement with the arts. Approximately 300 people with disabilities across Ireland have engaged with the project.

NTDI CORK
Artist in Residence - William Frode de la Forte
"Access and participation to creativity are essential to peoples life. Programmes like Art Reach are vital. The role of the artist in a programme like this is a wonderful one. It is to take people on a journey into unchartered waters, a journey of experiment, challenge and discovery. This one was a great trip, full of energy, curiosity and talents. Thanks to everyone involved."

NTDI CLONMEL
Artist in Residence - Ronnie Fitzgerald
"The human potential for creativity is not limited by physical or developmental disabilities. Through cultivation of artistic expression, people with significant challenges can develop creatively. I believe people with different abilities should have access to cultural activities, and should be able to participate fully in those activities. Most artists believe that talent and quality should be the most important criteria in evaluating their work. This certainly applies here"

NTDI Longford
Artist in Residence - Lucy Tormey
"It has been a wonderful and enlightening experience to work with a group of such energy and generosity of spirit. The colour, vibrancy and creativity of each individual are evident in the works that the participants have produced. In preparation for this exhibition, the participants have begun to unfold and develop their own creative language and have been building on existing talents, skills and resources. Their commitment to the project has been outstanding and all are to be congratulated on their immense achievements"

NTDI BRAY
Artist in Residence - Trish Brennan
The photographic process is constantly used for identification purposes; we are frozen in a still image, which represents us to the world. Photographs furnish evidence of our existence, this image may be distorted, but there is always a presumption that something exists, or did exist, which is like what's in the picture. For this exhibition the participants photographed each other over a few sessions and edited the images to select the one they were most comfortable with and reflected upon the image. The results are an extremely honest and frank expression on photographic representation.

NTDI TALLAGHT
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE - GENEVIEVE HARDEN

NTDI SWORDS
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE - PAT MC ALLISTER

NTDI CASTLEBAR
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE - BREDA BURNS

NTDI TRALEE
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE - ANGIE BUCKLEY

NTDI WATERFORD
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE - CLARE HORGAN

NTDI MONAGHAN
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE - ROSITA MC KEARNEY

NTDI LIFFORD
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE - MARIE BARRETT

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
FINOLA MC TERNAN
ARTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
NTDI
ROSLYN PARK, SANDYMOUNT, DUBLIN 4
TEL: 01-2057293
EMAIL: aap@iol.ie www.rehab.ie

CULTURE 2000
Art reach 3 has been carried out with the support of the European community, culture 2000 funding initiative.

The content of this project does not necessarily reflect the position of the European community, nor does it involve any responsibility on the part of the European Community.