New art exhibition in Fingal celebrates cultural diversity
A new exhibit that showcases experiences faced by people from marginalised communities across Ireland has been opened in Swords, as Fingal County Council looks to continue its efforts to combat racist attitudes and behaviours.
The “Building Bridges: Forging Pathways Beyond Prejudice” exhibition is the fourth and final phase of the SALAAM project which was developed in partnership with Fingal County Council and the University of Limerick, Doras, the Immigrant Council of Ireland and the Irish Network Against Racism.
Opening the exhibition, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Fingal is a county that not only celebrates its rich diversity but actively fosters inclusion and social cohesion. We take pride in our role as leaders in delivering on our Public Sector Duty obligations. This commitment isn’t just outlined in our strategic plans and policies—it is embedded in the very heart of everything we do. Our goal is to ensure that all who live, work, and visit Fingal feel welcomed and safe”.
Fingal is amongst the most diverse and dynamically growing populations in Ireland and Fingal County Council is committed to social integration and enhancing the quality of life for all the residents as it continues to grow.
Minister Joe O’Brien emphasised: “Fingal continues to ensure that it meets the needs of one of the country's most diverse populations. In doing so it looks to recognise the vital contributions that non-Irish communities make to our lives every day and reminds us all of the importance of providing welcome & supports to all Fingal residents so that we can continue to build successful & thriving communities that benefit all of us living and working in the Fingal area.”
Featuring eight comics, the collection of heartfelt stories aims to share the often-harsh experiences faced by non-Irish nationals and open up a dialogue that champions diversity, equality and inclusion.
The project lead, Dr. James Carr from University of Limerick, says: “The ‘Building Bridges: Forging Pathways Beyond Prejudice’ exhibition is a poignant testament to the power of visual art as a tool for creating an understanding of our changing environment. It serves as a platform for the unheard by amplifying the narratives and lived experiences of our diverse communities through visual storytelling”.
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “While having such a large range of cultures living in Fingal presents many opportunities, it can also present challenges. It is important that Fingal continues to welcome, respond and embrace those who settle here. This exhibition will help promote a greater understanding of others, and I hope it will also dispel those harmful myths and stereotypes about immigrants and refugees”.
The Fingal Migrant Integration and Social Cohesion Strategy continues to make a big impact in the county, with over 125 actions completed across the organisation to date. This strategy cuts across all departments as Fingal increases the provision of services that will enhance the quality of life for all its residents.
More information on Fingal County Council’s integration initiatives may be found HERE.
