In 2022 artist Clodagh Kelly led an artist residence programme at Riverbank Arts Centre, supported by the Kildare County Council Arts Service First Fortnight Award, in partnership with First Fortnight. Women of diverse ages, arts experiences and social backgrounds participated in the residency which resulted in Freedom of Choice – a body of work which gives a glimpse into these women’s lives. The artwork created shows their personalised take on health/wellbeing and journeys of healing whilst world politics, Covid and environmental issues impacted global health, families and communities. During a week-long artist residency, women processed ideas and held discussions on healing connections through nature, unseen homelessness in Ireland, the human body, recovery from trauma, communication between patient and medical staff, women and violence, gender, patriarchal systems, fertility, sexuality, women’s working rights in the arts industry and the role of feminism. These along with other concerns were processed through drawing and mixed media, with a creative oversight by exhibition curator Clodagh Kelly. Freedom of Choice and its many themes will be further explored through a public participatory panel discussion and creative response workshop.

Official Opening – Saturday 14 January, 5pm. All welcome.
Panel Discussion – Thursday 19 January, 7pm
Creative Response Workshop – Thursday 19 January, 8.15pm

McKenna Gallery

Saturday 7 – Saturday 28 January

Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pm | Saturday 10am-1pm

Admission Free