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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261013T140000
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SUMMARY:Green Imaginings: Art\, Ecology and Europe’s Future – Creative Talk\, Panel Discussion and Audience Engagement
DESCRIPTION:Min El Mai Lal Mai – From Water to Water\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThree-Day Palestinian Cultural Day Festival (25–27 September 2026)\, celebrating Palestinian culture through art\, music\, food\, education and community events  \n\n\nGuest speakers include Anne Murray\, Biodiversity Officer and Ecologist\,  Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council\, and Oisín Coghlan\, EU Policy Advisor\, Irish Environmental Network. Mary Moynihan shares a selectoi of artworks from her solo exhibition  From the Forest to the Ocean and gives an artist talk on The Art of Nature. Participants are invited to share a  gift for nature – a small object\, photograph\, drawing\, poem or memory that celebrates the natural world – and to contribute ideas for new environmental laws to protect nature\, contributing to a People’s Nature Charter for Ireland and Europe. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nAnne Murray\, Biodiversity Officer and Ecologist\, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council \n\n\n\nOisin Coghlan\, Policy Advisor focused on the Environmental Pillar’s EU Advocacy\, Irish Environmental Network \n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, Artistic Director\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nGreen Imaginings: Art\, Ecology and Europe’s Future features a key note speaker\, creative talks\, panel discussions\, a pop-up exhibition and audience engagement connecting EU environmental policy with creativity\, activism and everyday citizen action.. The gathering brings together artists\, citizens\, environmentalists\, academics\, policymakers\, citizens and young people for an engaging event exploring how Europe can create a greener\, more sustainable and biodiverse future. Enjoy From the Forest to the Ocean\, a mini\, pop-up visual art exhibition by Irish artist Mary Moynihan\, bringing together photography\, poetry and film inspired by the natural world. Mary will lead an artist talk on From the Forest to the Ocean exploring how creative practice can make environmental issues visible\, accessible and inspiring. Guest speakers and artists include Oisin Coghlan\, Policy Advisor focused on the Environmental Pillar’s EU Advocacy\, Irish Environmental Network and Anne Murray\, Biodiversity Officer and Ecologist\, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. \n\n\n\nThe event takes place on Tuesday 13 October\, 2-5pm\, at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery and Centre for the Arts and Human Rights\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1. €10. Booking required. \n\n\n\nEveryone attending has the opportunity to share a nature story\, bring a creative contribution and propose a new law or policy for protecting nature. If you could pass one law to protect nature and the planet\, what would it be? Audience members are invited to write their proposed law on a card or share it aloud. These ideas are gathered together to create a People’s Nature Charter\, which will be shared with the Irish Government and EU following the event.  Everyone is invited to bring a gift – an artwork (such as a drawing or poem)\, a short nature memory or a law you would like passed to protect nature and the environment.   Share ideas and imagine new possibilities for environmental action in Ireland and across Europe. \n\n\n\nThe event invites everyone to move from dialogue to action: to share what we love about nature\, consider what needs to change\, imagine new environmental laws and explore how citizens\, artists and policymakers can work together to protect our planet. Join us on the day as citizens take action to support a greener\, more biodiverse and sustainable Europe for all. \n\n\n\nSupported by A Creative Dialogue on EU Environmental Policy exploring creative approaches to highlighting the EU as a catalyst for Environmental Change. The project brings together policymakers\, academics\, artists and citizens to explore the role of the European Union in shaping a sustainable future for all and ways in which the EU may foster creative practices for environmental awareness. Supported by the Communicating Europe Initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. \n\n\n\nWe Want You! \n\n\n\nCome and Be Part of the Conversation \n\n\n\nThis gathering is about sharing\, imagining and taking action. Whether you are an artist\, environmental activist\, policymaker\, student\, educator or simply someone who cares about the future of our planet\, you are invited to join the dialogue. We invite everyone attending to bring a gift for nature\, and to create new laws.  The gift or object is something to show to the rest of the group and it can be a  photograph\, drawing or poem that celebrates the natural world or a  30-second nature memory\, based on a time when nature inspired you or an idea for action to protect nature. The 30-second short memory can be about a  place in nature that you love and want to protect; a moment when nature made a positive difference in your life; or something you have done — or would like to do — to protect the environment. \n\n\n\nIf You Could Pass One Law to Protect Nature\, What Would It Be? \n\n\n\nWhat would you change? Imagine you could introduce one new law to protect nature and the planet. What would it be? Your idea might be ambitious\, practical\, local\, national or European — or simply something you believe needs to change. As people arrive\, everyone will receive a card on which to write their proposed law. You can also choose to share your proposed law aloud during the event. We will gather the proposed laws for display and create a People’s Nature Charter. \n\n\n\nFollowing the event\, the final collection of proposed laws will be shared with the Irish Government and the European Union as a creative expression of citizens’ ideas and aspirations for protecting nature and the planet. Your voice. Your story. Your law. Your vision for nature. During the gathering\, we are creating  a shared space where creative expression\, environmental policy and collective actioncome together. We are creating a shared space for the objects\, memories and laws ensuring all voices\, stories and ideas become part of the dialogue. \n\n\n\nLeave Nature Alone. Leave No Trace. \n\n\n\nOur starting point is simple. We love nature by protecting it\, not by taking from it. We support the principles of ‘leave nature alone’ and ‘leave no trace.’ We therefore ask that nothing be collected or removed from the natural environment for this event. We are not asking people to bring objects taken from nature. Instead\, bring your thoughts\, stories\, ideas and visions for protecting our planet. \n\n\n\nIf you choose to bring a creative contribution\, such as a photograph\, drawing or poem\, please consider using recycled\, reusable or sustainably sourced materials. \n\n\n\n\n\nA Creative Dialogue on EU Environmental Policy \n\n\n\nProject Description \n\n\n\nCreative Dialogue to Action on EU Environmental Policy explores creative approaches to highlighting the European Union as a catalyst for environmental change. The project brings together policymakers\, academics\, artists and citizensto explore the role of the European Union in shaping a sustainable future for all and ways in which the EU may foster creative practices for environmental awareness and action. Funded by the Communicating Europe Initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The creative gathering held for this project features a keynote address\, panel discussion\, audience engagement and an artist talk and opportunity to view and hear about the onsite visual art pop-up exhibition From the Forest to the Ocean.  What role does the European Union play in our daily lives in relation to climate change\, biodiversity and sustainability? What is the role of the EU to protect the environment\, biodiversity and sustainability through the  European Green Deal\, the New European Bauhaus\, and related EU environmental initiatives including the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030\, and EU nature and marine restoration laws\, regulations and plans? How can citizens take action to promote the European Green Deal and related key EU strategies and directives in order to  protect the environment\, biodiversity and marine ecologies? Join us as we explore these questions and more. \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnne Murray\, Biodiversity Officer and Ecologist\, Dunlaoghaire-Rathdown County Council \n\n\n\nAnne Murray is an ecologist and the official Biodiversity Officer for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (dlr) County Council in Ireland. Since taking on the role in 2017\, she has been responsible for developing and implementing the county’s Biodiversity Action Plan to protect local habitats and wildlife. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOisin Coghlan\, Policy Advisor focused on the Environmental Pillar’s EU Advocacy \n\n\n\nOisín facilitates and coordinates the Environmental Pillar’s engagement in EU Affairs. He is also the Environmental Pillar’s nominee on Government’s Just Transition Commission. Until 2025 he was chief executive of Friends of the Earth Ireland\, where he led the 14-year campaign for a strong climate law which culminated in the 2021 Climate Act. Previously he spent 10 years working in overseas aid and human rights. He has BA in Sociology and Politics from TCD and an MA in International relations from DCU. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, MA\, she/her\, is an award-winning author of novels\, poetry\, films and plays\, and a creator of art and photography. Mary is from Dublin\, Ireland. Mary embarked upon her award-winning career as a writer in theatre and film and has garnered much acclaim for her plays\, poetry and short film scripts\, and for creating interdisciplinary artworks combining writing\, visual art and photography presented in galleries and online. \n\n\n\nMary established and became Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and is Artistic Curator for the annual international Irish Arts and Human Rights festival. Mary has an honours BA in Drama and Theatre Studies from Trinity College Dublin and an honours Masters in Film Production from TU Dublin. \n\n\n\nAfter raising four children\, now adults\, Mary dedicates her time to writing and creating photography and art (oils on canvas). Mary is a multidisciplinary artist and  regularly creates artworks that fuse painting\, photographic imagery\, poetical texts and film many of which are inspired by landscapes and seascapes especially of the seas and oceans around Ireland\, and a reflection on what it is to be human. Mary regularly shares stories from historical memory through her artistic practice particularly in relation to stories of people who stand up for the rights of others. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/green-imaginings-art-ecology-and-europes-future/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Symposium,Talk
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261015T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261015T140000
DTSTAMP:20260925T151919Z
CREATED:20260916T153629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T151919Z
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SUMMARY:Ancestral Voices - From the Forest to the Ocean Lunchtime Artist Talk + Poetry Reading
DESCRIPTION:Min El Mai Lal Mai – From Water to Water\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThree-Day Palestinian Cultural Day Festival (25–27 September 2026)\, celebrating Palestinian culture through art\, music\, food\, education and community events  \n\n\nReflecting on how place\, memory and the ancestral voices of those who came before can inspire and shape our lives today. Followed by an audience Q+A. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, Writer\, Poet\, Creator of Art and Photography\, Artistic Director\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, Arts Curator for the annual International Irish Arts and Human Rights festival. \n\n\n\nCiara Hayes\, Producer\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality \n\n\n\nFreda Manweiler\, Company Manager and Producer\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality \n\n\n\nEM Creative\, Graphic Design \n\n\n\nJody Hogg\, Graphic Design \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nExhibition Runs:  One day only 15 October 11am-5pm \n\n\n\nJoin us for an engaging artist talk exploring the imagery and stories  behind the extraordinary exhibition  From the Forest to the Ocean by solo artist Mary Moynihan which is on display at the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA) for one day only on 15 October 2026 from 11am to 5pm. \n\n\n\nArtist Mary Moynihan discusses the imagery and stories behind From the Forest to the Ocean and shares a selection of her original poetry\, reflecting on how place\, memory and the ancestral voices of those who came before can inspire and shape our lives today. Followed by an audience Q+A. \n\n\n\nHear the stories embedded within the exhibition and reflections on nature\, spirituality and peace. Artist Mary Moynihan shares insights into her creative journey as audiences gain a deeper understanding of how the work evolves and responds to contemporary contexts.  This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artist\, ask questions\, and connect with the work on display.  Interwoven throughout the talk\, the artist presents live readings of her original poetry offering a poetical reflection on nature\, spirituality and our shared responsibility to care for one another and the earth. \n\n\n\nFrom the Forest to the Ocean is a multidisciplinary installation drawing inspiration from the physical landscapes and seascapes of nature and the deep interconnectedness of life — from forests to the ocean. \n\n\n\nThe exhibition is accompanied by online information on EU actions to protect and promote biodiversity\, sustainability and climate justice.  Supported by A Creative Dialogue on EU Environmental Policy exploring creative approaches to highlighting the EU as a catalyst for Environmental Change. The project brings together policymakers\, academics\, artists and citizens to explore the role of the European Union in shaping a sustainable future for all and ways in which the EU may foster creative practices for environmental awareness. Supported by the Communicating Europe Initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. \n\n\n\nFrom the Forest to the Ocean – Background \n\n\n\nFrom the Forest to the Ocean is inspired by reflections on nature; journeys of interconnectedness and the art of ‘letting go’\, linking physical landscapes of nature from the forests to the ocean to landscapes of the soul.  The original concept for the exhibition From the Forest to the Ocean is by the curator Mary Moynihan\, a writer\, poet and creator of art and photography.  This exhibition is part of a triptych – Landscapes of the Soul (Part I)\, From the Forest to the Ocean (Part II) and a third exhibition (Part III) to be presented in 2027. Following their successful exhibition in 2024\, titled Landscapes of the Soul (Part I) artists Mary Moynihan and Hina Khan were delighted to return to Rathfarnham Castle Gallery in 2024 to present a new multi-disciplinary exhibition titled From the Forest to the Ocean (Landscapes of the Soul Part II) featuring the work of both artists. In 2026 a solo show by Mary Moynihan was presented from March to September at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin and as a one day installation to the RHA on Thursday 15 October 2026. \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, MA\, she/her\, is an award-winning author of novels\, poetry\, films and plays\, from Dublin\, Ireland. Mary embarked upon her award-winning career as a writer in theatre and film and has garnered much acclaim for her plays\, poetry and short film scripts\, and for creating interdisciplinary artworks combining writing and photography presented in galleries and online. She established and became Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and is Artistic Curator for the annual Dublin Arts and Human Rights festival. Mary has an honours BA in Drama and Theatre Studies from Trinity College Dublin and an honours Masters in Film Production from TU Dublin. \n\n\n\nAfter raising four children\, now  adults\, Mary dedicated her time to becoming a writer. She writes fiction for young people and adults featuring stories of courage\, laughter\, tragedy\, happiness\, love\, death and action-packed adventures. Mary pens a series of articles titled Creative Reflections on Arts\, Creativity\, Leadership and Self-Esteem which appear in the Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality newsletter and on Mary’s website marymoynihan.ie \n\n\n\nIn her free time Mary loves to spend time with her four adult children and hang out with friends.  She swims in the sea all year round. She loves the ocean\, sky and moon and has a spiritual connection to the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea\, to the environs of Dublin bay and to the mystical landscapes of Valentia Island and the surrounding Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry\, her spiritual home. She is a big fan of the Dublin Gaelic football and hurling teams. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/ancestral-voices/
LOCATION:Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA)\, 15 Ely place\, Dublin\, D02 A213
CATEGORIES:Talk
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ORGANIZER;CN="Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality":MAILTO:info@smashingtimes.ie
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261016T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261016T210000
DTSTAMP:20260929T102209Z
CREATED:20260915T163757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T102209Z
UID:10000738-1792177200-1792184400@smashingtimes.ie
SUMMARY:Oíche Éigse le Laoighseach Ní Choisdealbha & Joe Phádraic Ó Fátharta – Readings |Artist Talk | Chat | Audience Q+A
DESCRIPTION:Min El Mai Lal Mai – From Water to Water\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThree-Day Palestinian Cultural Day Festival (25–27 September 2026)\, celebrating Palestinian culture through art\, music\, food\, education and community events  \n\n\nThe programme features readings in Irish and an informal discussion with the artists about their work followed by an audience Q&A in both Irish and English. Presented by the Smashing Times Aisling Programme promoting Irish language drama and performance and celebrating the Irish language and the power of the arts to promote equality\, human rights and diversity. Supported by Foras na Gaeilge. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nLaoighseach Ní Choisdealbha\, Poet and Writer\, The Arts Council Scríbhneoir Cónaithe Gaeilge at DCU \n\n\n\nJoe Phádraic Ó Fátharta\, writer \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nJoin us for a night sharing the work of Laoighseach Ní Choisdealbha\, poet and writer; and Joe Phádraic Ó Fátharta\, writer. Laoighseach is the Arts Council Scríbhneoir Cónaithe Gaeilge at DCU. The event celebrates poetry and literature ‘as Gaeilge’ and will feature a selection of readings by Laoighseach and Ó Fátharta\, followed by an informal chat about their work\, with the opportunity for the audience to ask questions. The readings will be through Irish\, but the talk and Q&A will be facilitated through English. \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRugadh Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha in 1994 agus tógadh i gceantar an Lagáin in Oirthear Dhún na nGall í. Tá cónaí uirthi i nGaeltacht Chonamara anois\, i ndiaidh di deich mbliana a chaitheamh i gcathair na Gaillimhe. Is é Solas Geimhridh agus Dánta Eile (Barzaz\, 2023) an chéad chnuasach uaithi\, agus tá Mainistir na Feola (Barzaz\, 2025) díreach foilsithe. \n\n\n\nLaoighseach Ní Choistealbha was born in 1994 and raised in east Donegal. She lives in Connemara these days\, after spending ten years in Galway city. Her first and second collections\, Solas Geimhridh agus Dánta Eile (2023) and Mainistir na Feola (2025) were both published by Barzaz. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs scríbhneoir ó cheantar Chois Fharraige i nGaeltacht Chonamara é Joe Phádraic Ó Fátharta. Tá saothair dá chuid foilsithe in irisí éagsúla na linne\, An Dearcán\, Aneas\, Howl agus Channel in a measc.  \n\n\n\nJoe Phádraic Ó Fátharta is a writer from the Cois Fharraige area of ​​the Conamara Gaeltacht. His work has been published in various contemporary magazines\, including An Dearcán\, Aneas\, Howl and Channel. \n\n\n\n\n\nSmashing Times – The Aisling Programme\n\n\n\nIrish Language Drama and Performance \n\n\n\nCelebrating Irish language and the power of the arts to promote equality\, human rights and diversity \n\n\n\nThe Aisling Programme provides a platform for emerging and established Irish-language artists working in the Irish language with a focus on the arts for equality\, human rights and diversity. \n\n\n\nRun by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, the initiative embeds the Irish language—as the national and official language of Ireland—into its core company\, network\, and festival programming. \n\n\n\nDelivered both in Irish and bilingually (Irish and English)\, this creative arts programme features:workshops\, performances\, poetry\, literature\, music and creative conversations in both Irish and English\, alongside the commissioning and presentation of original artworks in Irish\, celebrating the Irish language and the power of the arts to promote equality\, human rights\, diversity\, democracy\, peace\, health and well-being\, for all across the island of Ireland. \n\n\n\nSmashing Times support the Irish language as our national language and believe a commitment to Irish as the official language of the Republic of Ireland is a key element for the development of the company. Smashing Times are delighted to partner and work with artists who work in the Irish language and who are interested in using the arts to promote equality\, human rights and diversity. \n\n\n\nFollowing the recognition of Irish as an official working language in the EU in late 2021\, Smashing Times has been producing dedicated Irish-language events since 2022 and integrating the language into Irish and bilingual productions performed across Ireland and Europe. \n\n\n\nForas na Gaeilge \n\n\n\nOur Irish language events are supported by Foras na Gaeilge\, a public body responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland\, including both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Foras na Gaeilge supports the community through the areas of community\, private business sector\, the arts\, the public sector\, education\, youth and the media. The organisation plays a role in advising governments\, north and south\, and public bodies and other groups in the private and voluntary sectors in all matters relating to the Irish language. www.forasnagaeilge.ie \n\n\n\nIrish Language Productions \n\n\n\nSmashing Times are dedicated to promoting artistic and creative work in the Irish languge. The company is dedicated to supporting the professional development of artists and the professional presentation of their artistic creations in the Irish language to as wide an audience as possible.  All Irish language productions and everts are presented as part of the Smashing Times Aisling Programme celebrating the Irish language and the power of the arts to promote equality\, human rights and diversity. \n\n\n\nPerformances in 2024 \n\n\n\nAr Snámh by the award-winning Irish language writer Seán Mac Dhonnagáin\, was performed by Bláthnaid Daly\, directed by Hilary Bowen-Walsh and produced by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality for the Dublin Arts and Human Rights Festival in 2024. The creative consultant was Mary Moynihan\, writer\, theatre and filmmaker\, Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality. Translations were by Seán MacDhonnagáin. The show was presented as part of the Aisling programme supporting emerging and established artists working in the Irish language with a focus on the arts for equality\, human rights and diversity. \n\n\n\nIs dráma é Ar Snámh a leanann Jane\, bean óg a d’fhág Baile Átha Cliath agus í ina páiste\, agus í anois ag filleadh ar a cathair dúchais tríd taisteal suas an Life i ndingí ó Lidl. Ar an mbealach\, déanann Jane macnamh ar na heachtraí a chuir ar an mbóthar seo í\, ó bhás a hathar agus í óg go dtí an caidreamh nua atá ag fás idir í féin agus buachaill áitiúil\, Stiofán. Ar an turas seo\, labhrann Jane isteach i dtéipthaifeadán a d’fhág a hathair aici\, í ag insint dó faoin saol atá aici agus na deacrachtaí atá aici mar dhuine óg i mbaile beag. Tosaíonn sí ag dul siar ar chomhráite le daoine éagsúla ina saol\, go háirithe ar eachtraí a bhain lena cairde agus lena teaghlach. Foghlaimíd faoi scéal Jane agus í ag oirbriú amach cad atá i ndán di sa chéad chaibidil eile dá saol. \n\n\n\nTwo performances  of Ar Snámh in Irish took place in The Ireland Institute\, 27 Pearse Street\, Dublin 2\, D02 K037 on Friday 18 October and Saturday 19 October\, nightly at 7.30pm. Each performance was followed by a post-show panel discussion with the artists and guest speakers on the theme of ‘The Irish Language and the Arts: Unique forms of expression to promote equality\, human rights and diversity’. The chair was Seán MacDhonnagáin and the speakers each night were the director Hilary Bowen-Walsh and actor Bláthnaid Daly. \n\n\n\nAr Snámh won Best One-Act Play in the literary competition at Oireachtas na Gaeilge 2018.  Ar Snámh follows Jane\, a young woman who moved away from Dublin as a child\, as she returns to her home county by travelling up the Liffey in a dinghy she bought in Lidl. Along the way\, Jane considers the moments that have led her to this journey\, from the death of her father when she was a child to the budding relationship she is developing with a local lad\, Stephen. Along her journey\, Jane recalls conversations with various people in her life\, playing the parts of friends and family members as she gives us a view of her past and tries to work out her future as well as reflecting on the housing crisis that is impacting on the lives of people today. \n\n\n\nSmashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality were delighted to work with Irish language author Seán MacDhonnagáin to present Ar Snámh and to support the Irish language. Special thanks to Theatre in Palm\, Creative Europe and the Scéim na gCompántas Drámaíochta Proifisiúnta agus Amaitéarach 2024/Professional and Amateur Drama Companies’ Scheme 2024 supported by Foras na Gaeilge. \n\n\n\nOpen Call to Artists \n\n\n\nArts and Human Rights Network available through Irish \n\n\n\nWe want You \n\n\n\nSmashing Times wish to support the Irish language as our national language and believe a commitment to Irish as the official language of the Republic of Ireland is a key element for the development of the Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality. We are inviting you to join with us and to take part in Aisling: A programme of the Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality celebrating the Irish language and the arts linked to equality\, human rights\, diversity\, inclusion and peace. As part of this work we are looking for key artists who speak Irish  to become involved in the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights network and we are now developing an Irish language section as part of the network. We invite you to take part in this unique network for artists\, individuals and communities interested in linking the Irish language and the arts for the promotion of  human rights\, equality and diversity. \n\n\n\nJoin the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Irish Language network as Gaeilge across Ireland\, linking with artists\, activists and individuals who are interested in using the arts to promote human rights\, equality and diversity through the Irish language. \n\n\n\nA core strategic aim is to ensure a strand of the Smashing Times International Cenre for the Arts and Equality is conducted through and promotes the Irish language. The centre is situated at 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin\, Ireland and operates across Ireland with a European and international reach\, and we believe that as Irish is our national language and a recognised language within the EU it is essential that the centre incorporates the Irish language as an integral and core part of the overall work.  The aim is to provide a community-orientated Irish language arts and human rights service to the Irish speaking community of Dublin and across Ireland\, Northern Ireland and internationally on a non-profit basis. \n\n\n\nIf you are an artist\, community group member or a member of the general public and are interested in using the Irish language through the arts to promote equality\, human rights and diversity\,  and would like to join the Arts and Human  Right network\, do get in touch. All welcome. \n\n\n\nAs a member\, you will \n\n\n\n\nReceive exclusive invitations to online and onsite networking events.\n\n\n\nMeet like-minded artists and people who believe in the power of the arts to promote human rights issues.\n\n\n\nReceive invitations to Smashing Times events across Ireland.\n\n\n\nBe contacted with opportunities to share your work or perform at Smashing Times events across Ireland.\n\n\n\nConnect through a monthly newsletter\, weekly bulletin; and through attendance at bi-monthly online or onsite meetings\n\n\n\n\nResource and Advice service available through Irish promoting the arts for equality\, human rights and diversity \n\n\n\nThis entails the translation of existing information into the Irish language and providing up-to-date information on resources\, grants and opportunities through Irish for artists and communities using the Irish language and creative processes to promote equality\, human rights and diversity for all. \n\n\n\nDream of Freedom / Aisling na Saoirse \n\n\n\nA Dream of Equality / Aisling an Chomhionannais \n\n\n\nIn Irish we say \n\n\n\nFáilte for Welcome \n\n\n\nAisling for Dream or Vision \n\n\n\nSaoirse for Freedom \n\n\n\nComhionannas for Equality \n\n\n\nCruthaitheach for Creative \n\n\n\nSuaimhneas for Peace \n\n\n\nAmhrán for Song \n\n\n\nCroí for heart \n\n\n\nGrá for Love \n\n\n\nMacnas for playfulness \n\n\n\nDraíocht for Magic \n\n\n\nAbhainn for River \n\n\n\nÓiche for night \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/oiche-filiochta-le-laoighseach-ni-choisdealbha/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Poetry,Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://smashingtimes.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Oiche-Eigse.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality":MAILTO:info@smashingtimes.ie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261017T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261017T153000
DTSTAMP:20260925T154117Z
CREATED:20260916T164017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T154117Z
UID:10000759-1792247400-1792251000@smashingtimes.ie
SUMMARY:Studio Songs by Daughter Of A Drum – Music | Dance | Artist Talk
DESCRIPTION:Min El Mai Lal Mai – From Water to Water\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThree-Day Palestinian Cultural Day Festival (25–27 September 2026)\, celebrating Palestinian culture through art\, music\, food\, education and community events  \n\n\nThe residency provides time\, space and support for research\, experimentation and development of artistic practice\, with the public event forming part of the artist’s creative exploration. Aoife is a multidisciplinary artist working in contemporary dance\, choreography\, filmmaking\, music and education. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nAoife Ó Tiompánaigh\, dancer/choreographer\, musician\, and teacher \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nJoin us for a special afternoon performance with our local Artist In Residence Aoife Ó Tiompánaigh as she shares songs from her debut album ‘Pink Breath’ plus a sneak peak of new music for her upcoming project ‘The Batter’. The focus of the residency programme is to support new mothers continuing a creative practice. Since the summer\, Aoife has been working in the Smashing Times studio over several weeks – songwriting\, learning Sean Nós dance and exchanging with other artists. This event promises to be a rich and rare opportunity to experience songs\, dances and inspiring conversion. \n\n\n\nSmashing Times Artist Residency Programme 2026 \n\n\n\nSmashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality are delighted to implement the inaugural Smashing Times Artist Residency Programme in 2026. Aoife McAtamney is currently doing an Artist Residency with the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery and Centre for the Arts and Human Rights at 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin from April to October 2026.  The aim of the Artist Residency is to provide time\, space and support to develop\, research\, experiment\, and advance artistic practice. As part of the artist residency\, Aoife is taking time and space to support her artistic practice\, to start writing and to present a public performance of her work. \n\n\n\nSmashing Times Arts & Human Rights Radio Show on Dublin South FM \n\n\n\nFeatures reflection by Mary Moynihan on war and peace followed by a Guest Artist Interview with \n\n\n\nmultidisciplinary artist Aoife McAtamney \n\n\n\nFor an in-depth interview with Aoife McAtamney on her artistic work and creative practice\, listen to the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio Show broadcast \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio show (first broadcast on Wednesday 10 and 16 June  6-7pm and now available as a podcast) features a reflection by Mary Moynihan on war and peace. Global military spending now exceeds €3 trillion every year. Who benefits and where is the equivalent investment in peace? Instead of spending 1.7 billion on defence\, should the Irish government spend this money on housing\,  job creation and peace? Why can billions be found for war spending while poverty homelessness\, wealth inequality and climate breakdown continue to worsen? These are the debates we need to have in Irish society and the media.  Artist Mary Moynihan says ‘Ireland can be a leading voice for peace. Defend our neutrality\, defend the Triple lock and challenge the growing influence of military and corporate interests on public policy and governments. As our former president Michael D. Higgins said\, we need to ‘make space for peace.’   \n\n\n\nThis is followed by a guest artist interview with Aoife McAtamney\, a multidisciplinary artist working with contemporary dance\, choreography\, filmmaking\, music and education. Aoife is  Artistic Director of Daughter Of A Drum\, and a part of Choreography Connects\, a CoisCéim artist-led residency project. Aoife is currently doing an Artist Residency with Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality at 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin.  \n\n\n\nThe Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio show is broadcast every Wednesday 6-7pm with Dublin South FM with each episode available as a podcast. Tune in to Dublin South FM 93.9\, or listen online at www.dublinsouthfm.ie. All past episodes can be listened to here. \n\n\n\nArtist Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAoife Ó Tiompánaigh is a choreographer\, dancer\, musician and teacher based in Dublin. Aoife trained in London Contemporary Dance School and on the D.A.N.C.E Across programme as an apprentice to choreographers William Forsythe\, Wayne McGregor\, Angelin Preljocaj and Frederic Flamand. \n\n\n\nAs a choreographer\, she has been the recipient of numerous prizes and bursaries from the Arts Council of Ireland\, Kildare County Council\, DLR Arts Office and Culture Ireland. Including residencies at Cultural Centre Irlandais\, DanceIreland as Associate Artist and Dance Artist in Residency at Mermaid Arts Centre. Aoife was Ireland’s first female Aerowaves artist as part of the 2014 cohort with her solo Softer Swells that subsequently toured internationally for nine years including 92Y in New York to La Briqueterie in Vitrysur-Seine and the Instances festival in Chalon-sur-Saône. \n\n\n\nFrom 2022 – 2024\, Aoife was one of six artists in the transnational residency programme CHOREOGRAPHY CONNECTS that brought together CoisCéim Dance Theatre in Ireland\, Operaestate in Italy and Le Gymnase CDCN in France\, supporting her latest work Pink Breath The Visual Sister commission by Project Arts Centre for Project Portal premiering at Dublin International Film Festival 2026. \n\n\n\nAoife graduated with an MA (1st) in Songwriting from the University Of Limerick in 2020 and regularly shares her sound and movement practice through workshops at Solstice Arts Centre\, University of Limerick\, DanceIreland and with coaching casts including LUAIL\, United Fall and OD Works. In 2024 Aoife launched Daughter Of A Drum\, a coral structure for all of her creative offerings. She released the record Pink Breath in 2024 to critical acclaim featuring on RTÉ Radio One Recommendation list\, BBC Sounds and performed at Ireland Music Week. \n\n\n\nAs a dancer\, Aoife has most recently danced SHEELA with Fabrice Malziah\, and Emma Martin’s Night Dances. Other credits include OneOneOne by Ioannis Mandafounis and works by Oona Doherty\, Laura Murphy\, OneTwoOneTwo and Mary Wycherley. Aoife featured in Paula Keho’s The Devils In Her alongside Olwen Fouéré for BBCNI and TG4. Also Woman In The Wall for BBCNI & Showtime. \n\n\n\nAoife has cultivated a strong socially engaged community arts practice. She was the first lead movement artist for Dublin City Council Culture Company (2020-22) and other credits include CoisCéim Broadreach and Macushla Dance Club 50+. \n\n\n\nCurrently Aoife is creating AUTHORS\, a new site specific solo for the the Lexicon Library\, supported by DLR Arts Office and Music Network for 2026 and is commissioned by Hamburgs Tanztriennale to research the work in Leipzig. \n\n\n\nSELECTED PERFORMANCE CREDITS \n\n\n\nThe Last Moth Choreography at The Ark Theatre in collaboration with Jesse Jones and Naomi Moonveld Nkosi 2026 \n\n\n\nSimple Love Dublin International Film Festival 2026 \n\n\n\nPink Breath’s Visual Sister Short film commissioned by Project Arts Centre for Project Portal\, 2025. \n\n\n\nSparking Debate Choreography for Sphere 17 and SEDA collage for St Patrick’s Day Festival\, 2024. \n\n\n\nHeal Me Short dance film for Macushla Dance Club\, 2024. \n\n\n\nIt’s All The Same Movement Direction for OneTwoOneTwo\, Dublin Fringe Festival & Abbey Theatre 2022. \n\n\n\nSlumber Dublin Dance Festival for Dance Umbrella UK curated by Oona Doherty\, 2021. \n\n\n\nWinter Lights DCCC Participation Project Performance Samuel Beckett Bridge Dublin\, 2020. \n\n\n\nSofter Swells Aerowaves selected solo 2014 – 2019. \n\n\n\nRecovery Movement Direction for OneTwoOneTwo\, 2019. \n\n\n\nAge Of Transition Dublin Fringe Festival & Firkin Crane\, 2016. \n\n\n\nThe Fourteenth Visit Dublin Fringe Festival @ RHA\, 2014. \n\n\n\nEgg Charade (in collaboration with Nina Vallon) Dublin Dance Festival and Rough Cuts Festival\, Frankfurt\, 2013. \n\n\n\nHIGHLIGHTED PROJECTS \n\n\n\nSofter Swells pass performances & press Re-Presenting Ireland\, Dublin Dance Festival\, 2012. \n\n\n\nDublin Fringe Festival\, 2012. \n\n\n\nOperaestate Festival\, Bassano Del Grappa\, 2012. \n\n\n\nMade in Dublin\, 2013. The Place Theatre for Spring Forward\, 2013. \n\n\n\nGalway Dance Days\, 2013. \n\n\n\nFirkin Crane Theatre\, 2013. \n\n\n\nAerowaves Spring Forward Festival in Umea\, 2014. \n\n\n\nLa Briqueterie for Les Plateaux Paris\, 2014. \n\n\n\nIF Only Festival Mermaid Theatre Wicklow\, 2014. Lublin International Festival\, 2014. \n\n\n\nTanztage Berlin\, 2015. B-Motion Festival\, Bassano Del Grappa\, 2015. \n\n\n\nRomaEuropa Festival\, 2015. Instances Festival\, Espace Des Arts France\, 2015. \n\n\n\nImpressions; Irish Arts Centre & 92Y\, 2019. \n\n\n\nSofter Swells @ Edinburgh Fringe Festival Review https://broadwaybaby.com/shows/unholy-trinity/27564 \n\n\n\nPINK BREATH past performances & press \n\n\n\nCoisCéim Dance Theatre\, 2025. \n\n\n\nWhale Theatre Greystones\, support for Niamh Regan\, 2024. \n\n\n\nMarrowbone Book Store with guests Robyn Byrne and Zoe Ní Riordain\, 2024. \n\n\n\nPink Breath Across Festival Berlin\, 2024. Ireland Music Week\, 2024. \n\n\n\nDublin Fringe Festival Support for Justin Vivian Bond\, 2015. \n\n\n\nSpicebag\, 2016. \n\n\n\nIrish Times Review https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/review/2024/08/29/ daughter-of-a-drum-pink-breath-a-complex-nuanced-and-personaldebut-album/ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/studio-songs-by-daughter-of-a-drum/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Dance,Music,Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://smashingtimes.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ArtistPic1-scaled-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261017T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261017T210000
DTSTAMP:20260929T092429Z
CREATED:20260915T142059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T092429Z
UID:10000728-1792263600-1792270800@smashingtimes.ie
SUMMARY:In Conversation:  Mary Moynihan with Mary Lawlor\, Human Rights Defender
DESCRIPTION:Min El Mai Lal Mai – From Water to Water\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThree-Day Palestinian Cultural Day Festival (25–27 September 2026)\, celebrating Palestinian culture through art\, music\, food\, education and community events  \n\n\nDrawing on Lawlor’s decades of experience\, the discussion explores challenges\, resilience and hope in the continuing struggle for justice\, dignity and freedom. Mary Lawlor has dedicated her career to defending the rights of people around the world. She formerly served as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and is a former Director and Chair of Amnesty International Ireland and a founder and former Director of Front Line Defenders\, the international organisation dedicated to protecting human rights defenders at risk worldwide. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nMary Lawlor\, award-winning Human Rights Defender; former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; former Director and Chair of Amnesty International Ireland; and a founder and former Director of Front Line Defenders \n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, Writer\, Poet\, Creator of Art and Photography\, Artistic Director\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, Arts Curator for the annual International Irish Arts and Human Rights festival.  Mary is a Curator and Artist on the Irish in Resistance during World War II Installation \n\n\n\nCiara Hayes\, Producer\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality. MC for the Conversation \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nJoin writer and artist Mary Moynihan in conversation with renowned\, award-winning human rights defender Mary Lawlor on the vital role of defending human rights in today’s world.  The event takes place at the Smashing Times Centre for the Arts + Human Rights\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin. Saturday\, on Saturday 10 October 2026\, 7pm\, presented for the annual international Irish Arts + Human Rights Festival. Drawing on decades of experience as a campaigner and her work supporting human rights defenders across the globe\, Mary will reflect on the challenges\, resilience\, and hope that shape the ongoing struggle for justice\, dignity\, and freedom. This engaging public event offers a unique opportunity to hear first-hand from one of Ireland’s leading voices for human rights. \n\n\n\nMary Lawlor has dedicated her career to defending the rights of people around the world. She formerly served as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and is a former Director and Chair of Amnesty International Ireland and a founder and former Director of Front Line Defenders\, the international organisation dedicated to protecting human rights defenders at risk worldwide. \n\n\n\nSmashing Times Arts & Human Rights Radio Show on Dublin South FM \n\n\n\nBroadcast 8 July + 15 July  2026\, 6-7pm \n\n\n\nIn Conversation:  Listen to an interview with Mary Lawlor\, Human Rights Defender on the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio Show \n\n\n\nOn this show\, presenter Mary Moynihan is sharing news about the first-ever Kerry Arts and Human Rights Festival taking place on the 18 and 19 July 2026 in Cahersiveen and Valentia Island\, county Kerry\, along with details of two open calls for this year’s annual International Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival taking place from the 9 to 18  October 2026. For details go to smashingtimes.ie. \n\n\n\nThe feature guest interview is with award-winning human rights defender Mary Lawlor who has dedicated her career to defending the rights of people around the world. Mary formerly served as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and is an Adjunct Professor of Business and Human Rights in the School of Business at Trinity College Dublin. She is a former Director and Chair of Amnesty International Ireland and is the founder\, former Director\, and former board member of Fron Line Defenders\, an organisation dedicated to protecting human rights defenders at risk worldwide. \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary was named the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders in March 2020. She is the former Executive Director of Front Line Defenders\, an organisation she established in 2001 to meet the immediate security and protection needs of human rights defenders at risk around the world.  Mary is widely respected in the international human rights movement and has been a leading figure in developing rapid response mechanisms and institutional responses for HRDs.  Prior to Front Line Defenders\, Mary was Director of the Irish Section of Amnesty International from 1988 to 2000. She became a Board member in 1975 and was elected Chair from 1983 to 1987. Mary was awarded the Irish Life WMB Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2008. In 2011\, she received the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Special Recognition Award.  In 2014\, Mary was awarded the French insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur and an honorary degree of Doctor in Laws from Trinity College Dublin. In 2015\, she was appointed Adjunct Professor in the School of Business Trinity College Dublin. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, MA\, she/her\, is an award-winning author of novels\, poetry\, films and plays\, from Dublin\, Ireland. Mary embarked upon her award-winning career as a writer in theatre and film and has garnered much acclaim for her plays\, poetry and short film scripts\, and for creating interdisciplinary artworks combining writing and photography presented in galleries and online. She established and became Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and is Artistic Curator for the annual Dublin Arts and Human Rights festival. Mary has an honours BA in Drama and Theatre Studies from Trinity College Dublin and an honours Masters in Film Production from TU Dublin. \n\n\n\nAfter raising four children\, now  adults\, Mary dedicated her time to becoming a writer. She writes fiction for young people and adults featuring stories of courage\, laughter\, tragedy\, happiness\, love\, death and action-packed adventures. Mary pens a series of articles titled Creative Reflections on Arts\, Creativity\, Leadership and Self-Esteem which appear in the Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality newsletter and on Mary’s website marymoynihan.ie \n\n\n\nIn her free time Mary loves to spend time with her four adult children and hang out with friends.  She swims in the sea all year round. She loves the ocean\, sky and moon and has a spiritual connection to the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea\, to the environs of Dublin bay and to the mystical landscapes of Valentia Island and the surrounding Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry\, her spiritual home. She is a big fan of the Dublin Gaelic football and hurling teams. \n\n\n\nSmashing Times \n\n\n\nMary is Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality working collaboratively with artists and over fifty organisations across Ireland\, Northern Ireland\, Europe and internationally\, using the arts to promote rights and values for all. Company patrons are Sabina Higgins; Joan Freeman\, founder of Pieta House; Ger Ryan\, actor and Tim Pat Coogan\, writer and historian. Founding patrons were writers Maeve Binchy and Brian Friel. \n\n\n\nArts and Human Rights Festival \n\n\n\nMary is Artistic Curator for the annual\, international Dublin Arts and Human Rights festival implemented by Smashing Times and Front Line Defenders with Amnesty International\, Fighting Words\, ICCL\, NWCI\, Irish Modern Dance Theatre\, Trócaire\, Poetry Ireland and Irish Pen\, and funded by The Arts Council. The festival highlights the extraordinary work of human rights defenders in Ireland and around the world\, past and present\, and the role of the arts and artists in promoting human rights today. \n\n\n\nAwards \n\n\n\nMary’s work has won a number of awards\, including the Allianz Business to Arts Special Judges DAA Arts Award at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre\, the international and prestigious #ArtsAgainstCovid award from the Arts in Health International Foundation and an Arts Council Agility Award. Mary was awarded a Project Award from The Arts Council to write a new work with a range of collaborators titled The Feeling Soul\, inspired by stories of women poets from ancient and modern Ireland.    \n\n\n\nMary is the author of the epic spoken word poem  ‘Ode to a Coolock Queen’’\, written from a female perspective and exploring identity\, gender\, violence\, passion\, self-destruction and possible redemption. An attempt as Sylvia Plath says  ‘to be true to my own weirdnesses’. It is an oral storytelling narrative that is about a broader reflection on what it is to be born out of a working class environment.  This poem is in homage to all people from working-class communities who find their strength and become their own kings and queens like warriors from an ancient past. \n\n\n\nAs a playwright\, Mary’s work includes the highly acclaimed The Woman is Present: Women’s Stories of WWII co-written with Paul Kennedy\, Fiona Thompson and Féilim James;  Tales of Love and Loss featuring two monologues selected by President Michael D Higgins for performance at Áras an Uachtaráin\, Constance and Her Friends and Grace and Joe for performance in 2023; In One Breath from the award-winning Testimonies(co-written with Paul Kennedy); Shadow of My Soul and May Our Faces Haunt You. \n\n\n\nMary’s film work includes the hour-long documentary Stories From the Shadows (co-directed with Mark Quinn); the short film Tell Them Our Names\,  (directed by Mary\, co-written with Paul Kennedy) inspired by women’s stories of WWII and selected for the London Eye International Film Festival and Kerry Film Festival; the creative documentary Women in an Equal Europe; the short film Courageous Women\, inspired by powerful women’s stories from the 1916 to 1923 decade of commemorations period in Irish history; In Time\, a poem-film created in response to the changing landscape of our world today in a time of pandemic (written by Mary Moynihan\, co-directed with Mark Quinn); and The Shoah: A Survivor’s Memory – The World’s Legacy\, adapted from the writings of French woman Simone Veil (1927-2017)\, a French lawyer\, politician and feminist\, Holocaust survivor and first female President of the European Parliament. \n\n\n\nMary has a focus on using historical memory in her artistic practice as inspiration for the creation of original artworks. A number of her writings highlight stories of ordinary yet extraordinary women who stood up for the rights of others with a focus on the Holocaust\, WWII and the revolutionary period in Irish history. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/in-conversation-mary-moynihan-with-mary-lawlor-human-rights-defender/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://smashingtimes.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Mary-Lawlor.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality":MAILTO:info@smashingtimes.ie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261018T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261018T180000
DTSTAMP:20260925T150602Z
CREATED:20260831T142039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T150602Z
UID:10000714-1792317600-1792346400@smashingtimes.ie
SUMMARY:The Queer Portrait Project with Kiz Rutherford\, Artist - Exhibition\, Artist Talk and Portraiture Sittings
DESCRIPTION:Min El Mai Lal Mai – From Water to Water\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThree-Day Palestinian Cultural Day Festival (25–27 September 2026)\, celebrating Palestinian culture through art\, music\, food\, education and community events  \n\n\nThe Queer Portrait Project is a community-based artistic response to rising anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and targeted violence and celebrates queer identity\, diversity\, strength and resilience\, grounded in the principle that trans and queer rights are human rights. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\nExhibition – Admission free\, no booking required \n\n\n\nTalk – Tickets €5\, book below \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nKiz Rutherford\, artist \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nThe Queer Portrait Project comes to the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery + Centre for the Arts and Human Rights on Sunday 18 October from 10am to 6pm\, for the 2026 Irish Arts and Human Rights festival. Enjoy a visual art exhibition\, artist talk and live\, on-site portraiture sittings presented by artist Kiz Rutherford as part of The Queer Portrait Project\, an ongoing\, grassroots project creating a series of intimate\, affirming portraits depicting members of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community. \n\n\n\nSince the start of 2026 artist Kiz Rutherford has been creating a series of portraits of members of Irelands queer community in response to the rising anti-LGBTQIA + violence and rhetoric\, and the simultaneous reduction in rights and systemic oppression of our global community. This project is for the community by the community and serves as a vital artistic response to the alarming global rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric\, systemic policy shifts\, and targeted violence—from political rollbacks in the US and UK\, to local struggles like Ireland’s gender-affirming care waitlists\, and recent tragedies like Berlin Pride. Standing firmly on the principle that trans and queer rights are human rights\, The Queer Portrait Project showcases and illustrates the profound diversity\, strength\, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of growing oppression and hate. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 Irish Arts and Human Rights festival offering of The Queer Portrait Project is presented through multiple interactive formats. Come to the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery and view an exhibition of portrait artworks created to date\, enjoy an artist talk with artist Kiz Rutherford in conversation with Smashing Times festival producer Ciara Hayes talking about The Queer Portrait project and take part in live on-site portraiture sittings. \n\n\n\n\nExhibition: A collection of complete portrait paintings by visual artist Kiz Rutherford presented on site as a pop-up exhibition at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery on 18 October 2026\, from 10am to 6pm\n\n\n\nArtist Talk with Kiz Rutherford: An engaging discussion between Smashing Times festival producer Ciara Hayes and artist Kiz Rutherford\, exploring the origins\, political context\, and community-building goals of The Queer Portrait Project\, taking place at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery on 18 October 2026 from 1 to 1.30pm\n\n\n\nLive Sittings: Live 1-to-2-hour sessions where festival-goers sit for a conversation\, preliminary sketch\, and reference photos with the artist\, adding to the creation of intimate\, affirming portraits of LGBTQ+ individuals\, taking place at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery on 18 October 2026 from 2-6pm\n\n\n\n\nArtist Kiz Rutherford writes \n\n\n\n\nThere is undoubtedly a massive recent shift towards homophobia and transphobia on a global scale at a policy level that has encouraged and enabled hatred at all levels of society to be seen as acceptable. In my lifetime we saw an increase in rights and acceptance for the queer community but things have dramatically shifted recently from the systemic erasure of the communities history and rights to the oppression on a daily basis. This is clearly seen at a policy level in the US and UK and elsewhere while the Irish continues to fights its own battles with the huge waiting lists for gender affirming care. Trans rights and queer rights are human rights\, I write this in the aftermath of the tragedy at Berlin pride\, feeling more fiercely than ever that we must continue to fight. \n\n\n\n\nArtist Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased in Dublin\, Kiz Rutherford creates figurative paintings and drawings exploring the interplay between light and darkness. Their work\, particularly the “We’re Losing the Light” series\, captures the emotional resonance found in fleeting moments of illumination against shadow. Through portraiture and life drawing\, Kiz examines how light shapes our perception of form and feeling\, revealing both vulnerability and strength in human subjects. Their project\, the Queer Portrait Project\, recently previewed at Rua Red\, extends their practice to create intimate\, affirming portraits of LGBTQ+ individuals. Committed to fostering artistic community\, Kiz also runs weekly life drawing sessions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/the-queer-portrait-project-with-kiz-rutherford/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Talk
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