Watch this professional documentation film of Early Years Artist Residency ‘Boghanna Báistí Beaga’ with artist Helen Barry at Holy Child Preschool, October 2024 – May 2025; in partnership with NEIC.
Between October 2024 and May 2025, artist Helen Barry worked with three classes in Holy Child preschool on Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1. The artist visited the school on an almost weekly basis, for sensory and artistic explorations with the children. The programme was peppered with visits to Hugh Lane Gallery, where the children and their educators were joined by the children’s parents to see and discuss selected artworks on display, and for their own artistic activities.
“The most important relationship we will ever have is with ourselves. This is my starting point” – Helen Barry. Helen’s practice is underpinned with an ambition to raise awareness of agency in every child. She uses a multi-disciplinary and multi-sensory approach to provide them with the stimuli and skills to connect with their own voice in order to embed a deep-rooted positive sense of self. This is the second iteration of this artist-in-residence programme, in partnership with North East Inner City (NEIC). The first one was highly successful and took place from May 2023-May 2024 with Ozanam House Early Learning Centre. The project culminated in an interactive exhibition for children under 5 years of age – ‘High Expectations’ – at the gallery from June – September 2024.
