Áras Éanna Celebrates 25 Years of Artistic Exchange and Island Inspiration
Inis Oírr, Galway – This summer, Áras Éanna Arts Centre proudly marks 25 years as a unique creative hub on the smallest of the Aran Islands. Since opening its doors in 2000, Áras Éanna has grown from a modest initiative into a nationally recognised centre for visual art, performance, and artist residencies—drawing creatives from across Ireland and around the globe to the inspiring landscape of Inis Oírr.
To celebrate this milestone, Áras Éanna Celebrating 25 Years of Visual Art, presents a rich and varied exhibition of visual artworks by artists who have shaped—and been shaped by—the centre over the last quarter century. Featuring painting, printmaking, textiles, sculpture, and photography, the exhibition brings together work from artists based on Inis Oírr and as far afield as New York, Germany, and Switzerland.
Running from 12 July to end of September 2025, the show includes pieces from Áras Éanna’s own collection alongside works from invited artists. Personal reflections and short texts accompany the artwork, offering insight into how time spent on the island influenced each artist’s practice.
“Being asked to co-curate this exhibition has been an honour. Spending time on the island, revisiting the collection, and tracing the journeys of artists past and present has been both inspiring and thought-provoking. The island offers something rare—a space for artists to disconnect from outside noise and fully immerse in their work,” said Fiona Hession, co-curator of the exhibition.
The opening event will take place on Saturday, 12 July at 1pm and will be officially launched by Val Ballance, Áras Éanna’s first Artistic Director.
This milestone exhibition highlights not only the centre’s legacy but also the crucial role of artist development time—and the transformative potential of place. It is, above all, a celebration of creativity born of and shaped by the island.
Exhibition Curators: Dara McGee, Aras Eanna Artistic Director & Fiona Hession, Visual Artist.
Exhibition Artists: Seán Ó Flaithearta – Mick O’Dea – Geraldine O’Reilly – Carel Lanters & Erick Auf der Heide – Mick Mulcahy – Daniel Coleman – The Clarin Arts Group – Scoil Náisiúnta Caomháin – Maureen Fleming – John Behan – Mary Fahy – Joey Mason – Manfred Url – Tess Urbanska – Dara McGee – Dan Chóil Dan Ó Flatharta (RIP) – Margaret Tuffy – Mary Lee Murphy – Togra Muintir na nOileáin/áisitheoir Ceara Conway – Cecilia Danell – Pat Quinn – Cyril O’Flaithearta – Máirtín Taimín Ó Conghaile – Aisling Nic Craith – Mara Zsuzsanna – Dolores Lyne – Trish Coneely – Hughie O’Donoghue
Selection of currachs from 2021 Currach Exhibition
Selection of buoys from 2023 Buoys Exhibition