Creative Campus 2026 - The Big Doodle - Tallaght Community Arts (TCA), NCAD & SDCC

Role: Curator

Photo by Connor Keegan (2026)

Creative Campus 2026 programme centered on Saggart and Rathcoole, an area of South Dublin County transitioning from rural to urban. The project explored this transformation, examining its place within rapid expansion while celebrating the richness of its community spirit, cultures, and customs.

Participating schools included Holy Family Community School, St Mark's National School, and Killinarden Community School. Workshops took place at Rathcoole Community Centre, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the area and use it as a site for research.

The first phase involved investigating the history and character of the area. Students walked the locality, documenting their observations through photography, printmaking, sketching, and collecting found objects. They were invited to reflect on the shift from rural to urban landscapes. The second phase used historical and contemporary maps to identify areas of interest and pose reflective questions. Throughout, the emphasis remained on process and collaboration. Students then created 3D maps of reimagined villages based on their discussions and research.

Photos by Connor Keegan (2026)

The programme culminates in an exhibition at The Making and Space and Rua red showcasing the creative process, including artist portraits, handmade research sketchbooks, 2D maps, and 3D sculptural maps of reimagined villages.

Photos by Connor Keegan (2026)

Exhibition at Rua Red. Photo by Connor Keegan.

Graduate Artists: Sarah Byrne, Rukmini Kelkar with Curator: Debora Adachi. Photo by Connor Keegan (2026)