The work is eclectic and diverse. Each artist has worked
independently on their own pieces. There is a common
thread of exploration and discovery – uncovering what is
seldom seen, the layers beneath, and finding a voice through
the arts. The exhibition is called ‘What Lies Within’, as it is from
the creative depths that these works have come”.
Exhibiting Organisations

Art is Collective artist studio space is currently located at 2
Royal Avenue in Belfast as an assisted studio model. It is the
temporary creative home to nine studio artists who represent

a range of learning and mental health disabilities. It operates
on an assisted studio model: artists are supported by
mentors and facilitators in all aspects of their professional
development. There is a strong sense of community and
mutual support between artists and mentors which extends
beyond the walls of the studio. The artists work individually,
but all share, inspire and motivate each other.
Connections Arts Centre is a social enterprise working
alongside adults living with intellectual disabilities and
neurodivergent adults based in Dublin. Artists with disabilities
are at the centre of the community as leaders, contributors
and cultural producers. The Connecting Artists programme
supports neurodivergent adults and adults with disabilities to
build confidence, develop skills, and participate more fully in
society. The artists in this exhibition have worked with
mentors to support their professional development and to
work towards this exhibition.

Mencap Northern Ireland’s contribution to this exhibition is
a film from their project ‘Positive Identities, Inclusive Futures’,
which places people with a learning disability at the centre of
conversations about identity, understanding and
reconciliation. This project, which is funded through the
Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund, worked
with Mencap Network Partner groups, brings together more
than 60 participants to explore identity, belonging and shared
futures through digital arts, storytelling, film, photography and
music.

Exhibition dates:

Thursday 2 July – Friday 21 August 2026

Late Night Art openings:
Thursday 2 July 2026 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Thursday 6 August 2026 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Artist Talk:
Thursday 9 July 2026 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cover image: Unforgotten Imprints by Jenny Humphreys (Connections
Art Centre)