The Model has been granted €100,000 through the Creative Youth Nurture Fund to expand its Young Model programme through a landmark collaboration with internationally acclaimed artist Bob & Roberta Smith.
The award is one of just nine grants announced nationwide and the only successful project from County Sligo, recognising The Model's leadership in creating ambitious, artist-led opportunities for young people.
Emer McGarry, Director of The Model, said:
"This investment is a powerful endorsement of what young people can achieve when they are given the opportunity to create, question and be heard. At The Model, we believe contemporary art has the power to open up conversations, build confidence and help young people see themselves as active participants in shaping society. Collaborating with Bob & Roberta Smith will be an extraordinary experience for everyone involved, bringing together creativity, democracy and collective action in ways that are imaginative, ambitious and deeply relevant. We can't wait to see the ideas, energy and perspectives that emerge from this project."
This ambitious new project offers participants a rare opportunity to work directly with internationally acclaimed artist Bob & Roberta Smith, whose practice explores the relationship between art, democracy and public life.
Together with the artist, young people will investigate the issues that matter most to them and transform those ideas into bold slogans, placards and public artworks, turning personal concerns, frustrations and aspirations into creative statements that invite conversation and debate. Inspired by Bob & Roberta Smith's distinctive approach, the project will encourage young people to see art not only as a form of self-expression, but as a way of questioning, communicating and participating in the world around them.
Bob and Roberta Smith said:
Art develops children's voices, if we don’t encourage kids to dance, sing, act and draw we won’t hear their voices as adults. Art ask us to join in and take part.
I am so excited and honoured to work with young people at The Model in Sligo because I know that in partnership with them we will be able to develop joyful and important work focused on their hopes for the future.
Children know about justice, fairness is key for them, I believe we have much to learn from children through their art.
The project will extend far beyond the studio. Young people will have opportunities to bring this work into public spaces and civic settings, sharing their perspectives with wider audiences and engaging directly with those involved in shaping public life. In doing so, they will experience first-hand how creativity can create dialogue, challenge assumptions and contribute to public life.
The project will culminate in a co-created exhibition at The Model, presenting the ideas, artworks and conversations generated throughout the programme. Along the way, participants will develop artistic skills, build confidence in expressing their views and discover the power of collective creativity to shape public discussion.
Young people interested in taking part in Young Model, as well as parents and guardians who would like to learn more about the programme, are encouraged to get in touch with The Model. Young Model welcomes young people from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels, with a focus on curiosity, creativity and collaboration. For more information about upcoming opportunities and how to get involved, visit The Model's website or contact the Learning & Public Engagement team at education@themodel.ie.