Stronger Together Exhibition to celebrate Traveller Pride Week in North Tipperary
Running From Monday 27th September – Thursday 28th October
The past year and a half have been difficult for everyone. The Covid-19 pandemic, and the restrictions placed on society, have caused much hurt, suffering, and isolation. Yet, the difficulties wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic have not been equally distributed. Across the world marginalised communities have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19 and the social restrictions introduced to curb the spread of the virus. In Ireland, the Traveller community has been particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is in large part due to the history of government policies that have generated considerable inequalities in relation to health, housing and education. The Covid-19 pandemic has not simply shed light on the inequalities the Traveller community experience, but in many circumstances exacerbated these inequalities. In the Stronger Together Exhibition poems by Nellie Hutchinson, a Traveller poet based in Nenagh, speak out against the historic exclusion felt by Travellers as well as the discrimination they continue to be exposed to. Piercing, poignant, and powerful, Nellie’s poetry gives voice to what it means to be proud about Traveller identity and community in the face of ingrained social prejudice.
In the face of the challenge created by the Covid-19 pandemic many people have exhibited fortitude, while communities have banded together with great community spirit. Across Ireland, individuals, community groups and non-profit organisations have worked tirelessly to support all members of the community, but particularly those who are vulnerable. Such acts have shown that when people come together and unite for a common purpose, we can overcome even the greatest of challenges. Members of the Traveller community are no different in this regard. In the Stronger Together exhibition many of the works on display are collaborative efforts that have involved multiple people working together as part of an initiative to support each other as well as to make something beautiful. This includes a community blanket made of crocheted/knitted squares made by both Traveller and settled community members. It also includes plant boxes made by a Traveller men’s woodwork group that have been painted in the traditional barrel-top style.
The ‘Stronger Together Exhibition’ is a celebration of Traveller identity and culture in North Tipperary. It also applauds how members of the Traveller community have held firm and supported one another throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope the audience will engage with the exhibition with an open heart and mind.
It has been organised by the North Tipperary Development Company (NTDC) Traveller Programme and Social Inclusion & Community Activation (SICAP) Programme.
For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/ntdcprimaryhealthcare
Contact: Ruari McBride r.mcbride@ntdc.ie
Travellers Together Preventing Suicide Concert
Research shows that every 8 out of 10 Travellers are affected by suicide. The Travellers Together Preventing Suicide campaign aims to raise awareness and solidarity about the impact of suicide in the Traveller Community and prevent future suicides.
For 2021 a concert of Traveller artists was organised with the aim of bringing attention to suicide prevention and highlight the root causes of Traveller suicide. The concert was pre-recorded and streamed online on Friday 10th September 2021 to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day.
The concert was organised by a wide range of Traveller organisations and funded by Dublin City Council and Dublin North East Inner City.
The concert brought together a wide range of Traveller artists from across the country, including Sharyn Ward, Trish Reilly, Helen (Nellie) Hutchinson, Steo Wall, David Collins with musicians Andy Barron and Ger O’Foghlu -Arguello, Kathleen Keenan, David Keenan, Joe Reilly, The Feekers (John Keenan, Darren Lynch) and Martin Mahon.