Commissioned Socially Engaged Artists 

Ruth Osborne is textile artist working primarily on Irish Linen, chosen for its sustainability and heritage on the island of Ireland. Her work focuses on connection and communion with nature and a sense of place, taking inspiration from folklore and local heritage. Working primarily with sustainably foraged natural materials, her practice often draws upon historical processes such as Nature Printing, natural dyeing and ink making. She has exhibited her work across Ireland, the UK, Finland, and Switzerland. Ruth has worked in the arts and heritage sectors for over 15 years, with an emphasis on developing and delivering arts, education and wellbeing projects in community, healthcare and educational settings. Ruth will be collaborating with St. Conor’s College, Clady.

Anushiya Sundaralingam is a multidisciplinary artist originally from Sri Lanka, now living and working in Belfast. Her art practice is a vibrant exploration of nature, migration, lost culture and identity. Since graduating with a degree in Fine & Applied Arts from the University of Ulster in 1998, she has embraced a broad spectrum of media, including printmaking, mixed media, installations, drawing, sculpture, textiles, painting and performance. Her work is known for its experimental quality and ability to engage with themes of displacement, adaptation and cultural exchange, and has been exhibited locally and internationally. Sharing creative practice on a social level is also a significant element of her art practice. Anushiya will collaborate with St. Benedict’s College.

Emma Campbell is a multi-disciplinary Research Associate on the Shared Island Reproductive Citizenship project and Lecturer in Photography at Ulster University. Her PhD was on utilising socially engaged practice as a tool for abortion rights along with Alliance for Choice where she is co-convenor. Emma is also a member of the Turner Prize winning Array Collective, whose practice is embedded in queer & feminist art and activism. She makes work that is image-based (photography and collage), participatory, performance-enhanced and active in affecting change. Emma will collaborate with St. Louise’s Comprehensive College.

Ann Donnelly is a Northern Irish artist working frequently with video and photography, often responding to a sense of place, exploring the relationship between history, memory and landscape. Over the years, she has developed her practice through engaged projects and residencies. Balancing individual work and collaborative projects, Ann continues to explore themes of being and belonging and her work has been exhibited internationally. Ann will collaborate with Cullybackey College.

Clodagh Lavelle is an artist from Mayo, Ireland, with a B.A. Hons in Fine Art from D.I.T. Dublin and a Postgraduate degree from the University of Ulster, Belfast. She is a member of the Turner Prize-winning Array Collective. Clodagh’s multidisciplinary practice spans sculpture, installation, video, performance, and drawing, often exploring human behaviour, memory, and social interaction. Her work combines activism and collaboration, addressing social issues and creating immersive experiences. With over 15 years of experience in arts education and community engagement, Clodagh has designed and delivered creative programs focused on mental health, social justice, and climate-related issues. Clodagh will collaborate with Newry High School and Hazelwood Integrated College.