President Catherine Connolly is set to officially open a new exhibition in Wexford town consisting of artworks that have been created by brain injury survivors.
The range of visual and sculptural pieces have been crafted by members of the Wexford branch of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland.
Those behind the project have said that it has allowed the creative arts to support brain injury survivors by using their lived experience to build awareness and advocate for change.
ABI Ireland have said that the initiative aims to elevate the voices of those involved and to draw attention to the multiple issues and challenges such survivors face following traumatic, life-changing events.
The exhibition is said to feature "deeply personal artistic interpretations" of brain injury that showcase expression through music, poetry, tactile, visual, and olfactory arts, "offering visitors a rare multisensory experience".
ABI Ireland said that the result is a "moving and intimate" exhibition that "challenges conventional narratives and expands how art can communicate complex human experiences".
The 'Making the Invisible, Visible' exhibition runs at the Green Acres Art Gallery in Wexford town until 29 March.
It will be officially opened by President Connolly this evening, who will then meet with artists and facilitators.
One of the artists, Irene Delaney has said: "Brain injury isn’t just visual or physical, it affects how you hear, smell, touch, and feel the world."
"Using multiple mediums helped me show others what living in my body and mind is really like," Ms Delaney added.
Meanwhile CEO of ABI Ireland Karen Foley said the exhibition will offer audiences an immersive and thought-provoking experience.
Ms Foley said: "At Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, we know that recovery does not happen in a straight line or is just about rebuilding skills - it’s about rediscovering your identity, your voice, your confidence and purpose.
"This project is testament to the transformative effect the creative arts play in that journey.
"Whether it’s painting, writing, music, sculpture, or digital arts, these forms of expression open doors that traditional therapies sometimes can’t."
ABI Ireland supports individuals and their families recovering from the impacts of brain injury by offering services and tools that help them rehabilitate, adapt and improve their quality of life.
According to the not-for-profit organisation, over 19,000 people experience a brain injury in Ireland each year.
An acquired brain injury is any brain injury that occurs, usually with a rapid onset, during a person’s life and after birth.
The organisation has said that given a brain injury is a "hidden disability," it is often misunderstood and awareness levels of the reality of people’s lived experiences are low.
