A Supported Studio is a sustained creative environment that centres disabled people. Supported Studios provide technical artistic support, networks and audiences outside of health and social care settings. 

Crawford Supported Studios is an initiative anchored by a long-term partnership between MTU Crawford College of Art & Design and Crawford Art Gallery. The Studio receives yearly support from Cork City Council Arts Office.

Artist Facilitator Sue Dolan is the long-term Studio Lead at Crawford Supported Studios.

Crawford Supported Studio provides:
-Safe art studio space
-Access to good quality art materials and equipment
-Assistance with transport and communications
-Connection with peers and the wider community
-Support in terms of professional training and development

Crawford Supported Studios is a legacy project. The studios aim to honour and sustain the remarkable supported studio established by Artist and Nurse, Hermann Marbe, at the John Birmingham Day Care Centre, Cork, in 2009.

Planned Programme 2025

Twice-weekly studio days held at MTU Crawford College of Art & Design Grand Parade Campus facilitated by Sue Dolan.

Continued support for studio member's artistic development with a focus on individualised opportunities.

Preparation for a whole studio exhibition at Cork County Library HQ in partnership with Cork County Arts Office in Spring 2026.

Support for Tom O'Sullivan’s Visibility Bursary project with Artist Róisín O’Sullivan, culminating in a ‘Show and Tell’ event in August. Tom was awarded a Visibility Bursary Award by the Arts Council of Ireland through Cork City Council Arts Office in 2024.

Image Courtesy of Crawford Supported Studios

Active participation in festivals throughout 2025, namely Creative February, Cork Lifelong Learning Festival, Midleton Arts Festival, Bealtaine, Culture Night, and Blackrock Castle Space Festival.

Image Courtesy of Crawford Supported Studios

Support for Judit Bako in accessing training at Cork Printmakers funded by an Arts & Disability Connect training award in 2025.

Collaboration with Photographer and Film maker Clare Keogh and studio members Tom O’Sullivan, Íde Ní Shúilleabháin, Marie Sexton and Rosaleen Moore to create four artist films. This work is funded by MTU Arts Office Connect Le Chéile Arts Project Fund.

Contact Information
Active participation in festivals, collaborative workshops and events throughout 2025, namely Creative February, Cork Lifelong Learning Festival, Midleton Arts Festival, Tools of the Trade, Culture Night, Cork Zine Fest and Blackrock Castle Space Festival.

Contact person for Crawford Supported Studios:
Emma Klemencic 021 4907862
emmaklemencic@crawfordartgallery.ie

Emma Cubitt
emma.cubitt@mtu.ie

Crawford Supported Studios
C/o Crawford Art Gallery
Emmet Place
Cork
T12 TNE6