Calling all children from birth to five years old and their caregivers. Join us for a very special exhibition opening!

Be the first to visit the exhibition, a celebration of the wonder and possibilities of art for the very young. Join artists Helen Barry, Jane Hayes, and Kim Jenkinson for free, drop-in workshops throughout the day. The exhibition continues until 11 August with lots of free events and workshops on for the duration.

If you’ve any questions just contact arts@dlrcoco.ie or phone us on (01) 236 2759

Curated by Anne Cradden

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (dlr) Arts Office is delighted to present ‘Room to Explore, an Exhibition for 0-5 year olds’ featuring art works by early years artists Helen Barry, Anne Bradley, Jane Hayes and Órla Kelly.  The exhibition opens at the Municipal Gallery, dlr LexIcon on 18 May 2024.

“Children are always welcome in dlr LexIcon, however we are particularly thrilled to offer our youngest visitors and their caregivers an opportunity to experience a visual art exhibition created especially for them.”

Frank Curran, CEO of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

The artwork in this exhibition tests and challenges the possibilities of visual art for very young children. Taking a very gentle, mindful, and respectful approach to the lived experience of young children, the artists have used carefully considered materials and approaches. They have created pieces that encourage children to interact with – or simply observe – textures, materials, colours, and sound, all presented in an intimate and playful environment.

The artists have years of experience making work in collaboration with young children to facilitate thoughtful, stimulating, and joyful encounters. Their work is both a recognition and exploration of the creative potential of the very young child and the importance of experiences at this age, in line with current research on early childhood development.

The exhibition is designed to be visited and revisited by children and their caregivers and allows for ‘Room to Explore’

“Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is thrilled to host Room to Explore which encourages young children and their caregivers to experience the visual arts and explore their own creativity. We hope that visitors will return many times to enjoy this very special exhibition”.

An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Denis O’Callaghan

The exhibition is supported by Creative Ireland and CYPSC (Children & Young People’s Services Committee).

‘Room to Explore, An Exhibition for 0-5 year olds’ opens at the Municipal Gallery, dlr LexIcon in Dún Laoghaire on 18 May and runs until 11 August 2024 (closed 1-3 June inclusive, 3-5 August inclusive). Admission is free of charge. Alongside the exhibition, dlr Arts Office will run a programme of accompanying talks, workshops and events. For further details, visit: dlrcoco.ie/arts.