Search icon

Family fun

17th May 2024

Interactive art exhibition for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers opens in Dún Laoghaire

Sophie Collins

The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office has just unveiled an exciting new interactive art exhibition, ‘Room to Explore’

The exhibition was designed especially for young children aged 0-5 years and their caregivers.

Opening on May 18th, 2024, at the Municipal Gallery, dlr LexIcon, this exhibition promises a delightful and engaging experience for the youngest art enthusiasts. 

Curated by artist Anne Cradden, ‘Room to Explore’ features captivating works by early years artists Helen Barry, Anne Bradley, Jane Hayes, and Órla Kelly.

The artworks are designed to appeal to all senses, inviting babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to explore various textures, shapes, colours, and sounds in a playful and stimulating environment. 

The exhibition aims to foster a creative and intimate setting where young children can express themselves through art. Each piece has been thoughtfully created to engage children’s cognitive skills and inspire creative interaction.

One highlight of the exhibition is a series of five artworks titled ‘Two More Sleeps’, co-created by artist Helen Barry and children from Shanganagh Park House over six months.

Barry shares: “The children’s brilliant ideas, enthusiasm for the creative process, and sense of ownership over the works were truly inspiring.” 

Events and Workshops 

Accompanying ‘Room to Explore’ is a robust events program run by dlr Arts Office.

This includes guided tours, artist talks, and workshops that cater to both children and adults.

Multi-sensory creative arts events and workshops will engage young visitors, while adults can attend sessions exploring the importance of artistic experiences for young children. 

Visitors At the launch, Frank Curran, CEO of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, expressed his excitement: “With ‘Room to Explore’, we are thrilled to offer our youngest visitors and their caregivers an interactive art exhibition tailored just for them.

“We hope they will experience the joy and wonder of creative discovery.”

Councillor Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, added: “This exhibition provides a wonderful opportunity for young children to explore their creativity through all their senses. We encourage families to visit and revisit this engaging space.” 

The ‘Room to Explore’ exhibition will be open from May 18th to August 11th, 2024 (closed June 1-3 and August 3-5). Admission is free. 

For more details on the exhibition and its events, visit dlrcoco.ie/arts.

Supported by Creative Ireland and dlr CYPSC, ‘Two More Sleeps’ was funded as a commission for Cruinniú na nÓg 2024, Ireland’s national day of free creative activities for children and young people, taking place on June 15th. 

READ MORE:

Topics: