A website has been launched to showcase the work of 18 artists supported by the Munster Technological University (MTU) School of Art and the Crawford Art Gallery.
The collaboration between the university and the national institution supporting artists with special needs is the only one of its kind in the country.
Several works by the artists have already been acquired for the National Collection including pieces by Íde Ní Shúilleabháin, Tom O'Sullivan and Rosaleen Moore, with a number of artists collaborating with other studios such as Cork Printmakers as well as exhibiting here in Ireland and most recently in New York.
The studio was established in 2018 to honour and sustain an innovative studio established by the late artist and nurse Hermann Marbe at the John Birmingham Day Care Centre in Cork, and also the Mayfield Arts Centre group, Cúig.
The Head of Arts, Health & Education at MTU Crawford School of Art, Louise Foott said that for her, the importance of the studio is that it gives people a voice.
"For many people it [art] is their only language, so working with these artists we have been able to give them a space to develop that language, to give them a means to participate, to contribute to the world, to society, to have their voice heard, and that for me is the real importance behind it [the studio]."
Dedicated studio days take place in the Crawford Art Gallery on Tuesdays and MTU Crawford Art College on Thursdays each week.
Art Facilitator Karolina Clenet said what the studio provides "is the time, the space, the peace and the materials", allowing everyone to grow as artists at their own pace.
Covid was difficult, she said, but all of the artists are looking forward to getting back out to show their work to a wider audience.
The gallery recently spent €400,000 of Department of Arts funding on purchasing work by 38 artists, and five of the studio artists were among their number.
Curator Anne Boddaert said it was the quality of the work that motivated the purchase.
The supported studio also adds so much to the gallery, she said.
"It is great for the artist, but it really has brought in a lot of energy and vitality which wouldn't otherwise be in the gallery, so it is win-win", said Ms Boddaert.
A website to raise the artists' profile was launched last week and includes eight portraits by filmmaker and photographer Clare Keogh.
The film can also be viewed in the gallery's screening room.
MTU Arts Officer Sarah Morey, whose office supported the development of the website and the creation of the videos, said they were a "wonderful celebration of creativity".
