Port na Fáilte, the Intercultural Resource Centre in Letterkenny, organised a series of artist led projects during the month of August. Draw your Place involved two groups of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, one in Letterkenny and one in Donegal Town. Artist Alan Cusack, assisted by Clara Kane, took the groups on location to explore their environment through drawing. He showed them a range of experimental drawing techniques. Some people had never drawn before and were surprised at the impressive art they produced. Ahmed, one of the budding, said: 'I am amazed. I never thought I could do something like this'. Many of the participants plan to continue on drawing and everybody enjoyed learning to express themselves through the medium of drawing. However, this was not the sole purpose of the project. An important aim was to bring people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds together, to share a positive experience and to find communalities through getting to know their environment. Mr. Cusack was extremely pleased with the process and the outcome: 'It was really exciting to see people bringing together so many different experiences and perceptions. The work really reflects the rich diversity of the people involved.'
The work will be launched on 24 September during Culture Night in Port na Fáilte, Letterkenny. Visitors will get the chance to talk to the participants and the artist Alan Cusack about their experience.
The project is supported by Donegal County Council, Donegal County Development Board and the EU ( Peace III).
Please select a group from the menu bar abocve to enjoy a sample of the work created as part of the project.