Culture Connects Feasibility Study
What happens when you begin to investigate the common narratives between two previously unconnected places with artists who live and work there? What are the common threads? What opportunities exist?
Artist focus group session in Marketplace Theatre, Armagh.
As Project Manager for Culture Connects Feasibility Study, we embarked on an immersive, collaborative action research approach to uncover the common narratives between two previously unconnected places: Galway and Armagh. Our goal was to identify shared threads and opportunities for artists living and working in these regions.
We engaged with a diverse array of individuals from the arts sector, including professional artists, early career artists, students, educators, and policymakers. Together, we developed a rich cross-border programme that included:
Site Visits
Exploring the cultural landscapes of both cities.
Facilitated Conversations
Encouraging open dialogue and exchange of ideas.
Peer Learning Opportunities
Fostering mutual learning and collaboration.
Armagh art student discussion with artists and producers, Outset Gallery, Galway.
Through these activities, we inspired and enabled new cross-border relationships and innovative ways of working. Culture Connects aimed to explore the feasibility of artist support programs, cross-border mobility, shared workspaces, and residencies.
“Many thanks to you, the wider Culture Connects team, and our gorgeous hosts for the time and thoughtfulness given to planning and to selecting a brilliant group of artists and facilitator, enabling the safe space and trust needed for us to delve deep into honest reflection and cover a lot of ground in a short time.”
– A participating artist
Artist focus group session, FE McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge.
Artist focus group session, FE McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge.
Our findings were supported by extensive policy context research and benchmarking. The evidence gathered was used to advocate for a five-year multi-million euro program, encompassing capital works and an ongoing collaborative programme between the two cities. This proposal included input from 182 participants and led to a range of unintended positive outcomes, such as connecting artists, academics, and educational institutions.
Culture Connects successfully demonstrated the potential for cross-border collaboration in the arts. By engaging deeply with the communities in Galway and Armagh, we not only identified common narratives but also laid the groundwork for a sustainable, collaborative future. This project highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for honest reflection and dialogue, enabling participants to build trust and foster meaningful connections.
Student visit to ATU, Galway.
Design concept of artist studio by Katie Stringer, Studio idir.
“Amberlea’s professionalism and dedication, her careful facilitation throughout the project resulted in not just the full delivery of the feasibility study, but of careful and meaningful partnerships and relationships that will last a lifetime… We are all extremely grateful for her work and vision, her patience and her professionalism. Her knowledge of creative place making and careful project management skills ensured the dual delivery of two projects north and south, forever connected.”
– Marilyn Gaughan-Reddan
Client: Galway Culture Company
Partners: Culture Connects was developed in partnership with Galway City Council and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council facilitated by Galway Culture Company in collaboration with Galway Arts Centre, Atlantic Technological University and Southern Regional College.
Team: Amberlea Neely, Dr Jane Morrow
Photos: Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Illustration: Studio idir