DSI launches photography exhibition celebrating adult community for World Down Syndrome Day 2018
DSI launches photography exhibition celebrating adult community for World Down Syndrome Day 2018
Down Syndrome Ireland is celebrating World Down Syndrome Day (Wednesday, March 21) today by launching a unique photography exhibition aimed at challenging perceptions of Down syndrome in society. The exhibition will be launched this evening (Wednesday) in the Powerscourt Centre in Dublin city centre and will run until April 30th.
The ‘Who Am I?’ exhibition was devised and curated by members of the charity’s National Advisory Council in collaboration with a professional photographer, Eric Molimard. The exhibition is kindly supported by Frank Keane Volkswagen. The NAC comprises of people with Down syndrome from around the country to represent the views of their peers within the organisation.
The role of the NAC is to ensure that people with Down syndrome have a voice within the charity and influence the future development of Down Syndrome Ireland.
A vision of the council is to challenge perceptions of Down syndrome in society. The exhibition – which is two years in the making – presents images and stories of the lives of adults with Down syndrome.
Council Member Daragh Murphy from Newbridge in Kildare is photographed on the court in the National Basketball Arena in Dublin wearing his basketball kit.
Speaking about the exhibition, he said: “The photo shows me on the spot. I’m focused and strong. I took part in the Special Olympics [representing] Leinster [in] basketball. I won an All-Ireland silver medal. People are special. People are different. Looking at the photos you see what people have achieved. You see who they are.”
President of Down Syndrome Ireland Mary Doherty said: “This exhibition is about celebrating our adult community and showcasing the diversity of educational and work engagement, the depth of artistic and sporting skill and active community involvement these adults enjoy and have. We are urging the public to come out and view this unique photography exhibition.”
The exhibition will run in Powerscourt Centre from World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) until April 30th. After this date, the exhibition will be available to the charity’s 26 branches around the country to continue building awareness and challenge perceptions.
