‘The Lime and the Sweetness’ Community Collaboration Project 2024

In collaboration with Solstice Arts Centre and Beaufort House, Navan, visual artist Joanna Hopkins' project The Lime and the Sweetness has been awarded funding by the Arts Council Artist in the Community Scheme, managed by Create, the national development agency for collaborative arts. The Lime and the Sweetness will take place between February and October.

Residents and staff at Beaufort House will work creatively and collaboratively with Joanna throughout the year, using their garden to grow and make food as an art form. Using multi-sensory methods, Joanna will explore personal histories to investigate the participant’s autonomy through an artistic lens. The outcome of this collaboration will be celebrated at Solstice later in 2024.

This new project arises from Create funding in 2023 that allowed Joanna to conduct both exploratory sessions with residents and staff in Beaufort House, and off site engagement in Solstice Arts Centre. Mentorship from visual artist John Conway throughout the experience ensured the development of participant-led engagement, research and development for the extension of this project into The Lime and the Sweetness.

Solstice is delighted to continue its support for Joanna and the residents of Beaufort House through gallery engagement and collaboration at Solstice in 2024.

Joanna Hopkins is a multi-disciplinary visual artist, with both a studio based and collaborative practice.

Beaufort House is a purpose built, HSE residential care facility based in Navan, Co Meath. Solstice Arts Centre hosts a programme of a diverse range of music, theatre, visual arts, cinema and dance from local and international artists and companies. Solstice will act as project partner on this initiative, providing valuable resources, support and facilities.

Create is the national development agency for collaborative arts in social and community contexts. Their work initiates cross-sectoral national and international partnerships, which support artists and communities to co-create work of depth, ambition and excellence.

Posted on 2 Feb 2024.