Video Credit, Lewis Glucksman Gallery

The Lewis Glucksman Gallery is one of Ireland’s leading cultural and educational institutions promoting research, creation and exploration of the visual arts. The gallery is committed to creating a space in which all audiences are encouraged to connect with contemporary visual arts and creative practice. At the onset of lockdown the Glucksman team moved to identify ways in which they could continue to reach and serve their diverse audiences while the physical gallery was closed. Informed by their strategic plans the gallery took a tactical approach to develop a positive model of online programming which could create meaningful engagements for the public in 2020.

Some of the Glucksman’s recent digital artistic endeavours include:

• Creativity at Home - Offering creative activities for young people and beyond that could be undertaken at home during lockdown

• Home from Home - Digital exhibition inviting responses from Irish artists sharing their experiences of COVID-19

• Regular online creative workshops aimed at engaging a range of diverse communities

• Digital artists’ talks and webinars highlighting various themes and programmes including belonging, place and inclusion.

Developed within days following the closure of the gallery in March 2020, Creativity at Home sought to build on the Glucksman’s record of strong engagement with young audiences. The digital programme at the Glucksman has led to increased visibility of the gallery and Irish visual arts on an international stage, providing clear opportunities to raise the profile of the artists involved.

The success of these recent digital projects has led to a significant expansion in the profile and reach of the Glucksman. Recent experiences of offering innovative engagement activities online has highlighted diverse new communities who may had not previously engaged with the Glucksman. Opportunities to further build on its positive record of outreach and inclusion through increased digital accessibility have been identified as a key priority going forward.

‘I am thrilled to see the work of the Glucksman recognised on an international stage. University College Cork has a proud tradition of digital innovation and social inclusion. Our small team responded quickly to our museum’s COVID-19 closure to provide families with daily creative activities throughout the pandemic lockdown using materials available around the house.’ —Fiona Kearney, Director of the Glucksman