SETU and Creative Places Enniscorthy proudly presented the Social Canvas Project 2025 at an opening event at Wexford Arts Centre on 15 May.
This three-year project, now in its second year, will be showcased from 15 to 22 May demonstrating the collaborative artworks of SETU’s Art and Visual Communications students and diverse community groups in Enniscorthy.
Due to the collaborative support of Wexford Arts Centre and Wexford County Council, the project artwork is on display to the public, who can experience the stories, creativity, and connections captured in this inspiring showcase.
Dr Els Dietvorst, Artist and Lecturer at SETU’s School of Art and Design, highlighted the project’s impact, saying “Art has a huge capacity to create positive impact in the community. It connects us, gives voice to the unheard, and empowers the excluded. Through the socially engaged practice module, we’ve seen how creative collaboration can lead to radical, meaningful change in communities. This is not just art, it’s humanity in action.”
Social Canvas is a creative initiative built on collaboration, inclusion, and the belief that art can be a powerful tool for connection and change. Launched in early 2024 and funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, the project is a joint effort between SETU’s students based at the University’s Wexford campus, and Creative Places Enniscorthy.
The two organisations have a shared goal of making art accessible and meaningful to everyone, especially those who may feel left out of traditional artistic spaces. Through projects ranging from painting, drawing, and knitting to photography and videography, the exhibition captures the power of bringing the community together through art.
Deryn O’Callaghan, Co-ordinator of Creative Places Enniscorthy, emphasised the value of this initiative, saying “Creative Places Enniscorthy is thrilled to continue our partnership with SETU, with Els and team, and with the Art and Visual Communications students.”
Deryn continued, “Social Canvas 2025 continues to foster connections with Enniscorthy’s communities, including many groups new to Creative Places Enniscorthy. We commend the students for their creativity and resilience in engaging with these groups, and we thank the Enniscorthy community for their trust and participation. We warmly welcome everyone to view the finished artworks on display at Wexford Arts Centre.”
Liz Doran Burke, a final-year mature student of Art and Visual Communications and Design, spoke about her involvement in the project, “The opportunity to take part in the Social Canvas Project allowed my classmates and I to evolve the skills and talents essential to an artist in enhancing human connectivity and understanding.”
Liz added, “I worked specifically with the group Delightful Dollies in Enniscorthy, on a project focused on recording and documenting their fondest memories of childhood through art. Over several months, I visited the group weekly to record their memories of times gone by. It was a pleasure to spend time with them.”