Minister O’Donovan launches Art as Agency at IMMA, a new landmark display of the National Collection 

Art as Agency heralds a new role for the National Collection at the Irish Museum of Modern Art

Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D. launched (Wednesday 26 February 2025) a major new display of the National Collection at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). Art as Agency is a landmark exhibition, featuring over 100 artists, from the 1960s to the present, including many recent acquisitions.

Art as Agency marks a significant shift in IMMA’s approach, moving away from fast-paced exhibition turnover to a more considered long-term model. Running for three years, this exhibition underscores IMMA’s commitment to sustainability by reducing the impact of frequent installations while fostering deeper public engagement with the National Collection.

Since its foundation in 1991, IMMA has been at the forefront of contemporary art in Ireland, producing dynamic and ambitious exhibitions. Under its strategy 2024-2028 ‘A Creative Catalyst for Change’, IMMA is embracing its role as a ‘modern museum’, creating a space for critical reflection and public engagement. By adopting long-term permanent collection displays, IMMA is not only expanding access to the National Collection but also shaping a more sustainable model of museum programming.

IMMA’s Collection has grown significantly since 2020, now comprising over 4,500 artworks, thanks to support from the Department of Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport. As part of an increasingly research-focused curatorial approach, IMMA is also acquiring key archives of artists, curators and theorists, providing valuable insights into shifts in artistic practice and the wider political and social contexts in which these works were created.

Speaking at the launch, Minister O’Donovan said:  
“It is encouraging to see how IMMA is using our National Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art to produce research-led exhibitions. These pieces tell social, political, and environmental stories that resonate with audiences here and all over the world. The introduction of long-term displays of the Collection will mean more people will get a chance to visit this important public resource. It gives more time and opportunities for audiences to delve deeper into how they consider these pieces. This complements my priority, as Minister, to facilitate and enhance public access to and engagement with culture.” 

Christina Kennedy, Head of Collections at IMMA, said:  
“By interweaving historical and contemporary narratives, Art as Agency is a true celebration of the growth of the National Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art over the past 30 years. I am delighted that we can show so many of the significant works in the Collection, many of which are recent acquisitions and have not been seen by the public before.”  

ENDS  
  
For further information and images please contact:  
Monica Cullinane E: [email protected] T: 086 2010023    
Patrice Molloy E: [email protected] T: 086 2009957  

IMMA Collection: Art as Agency   
Now until 6 February 2028   
Admission Free
Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10am – 5.30pm
Wednesday: 11.30am – 5.30pm
Sunday: 12noon – 5.30pm
Webpage: IMMA Collection: Art as Agency

IMMA Talk 
IMMA Collection: Art as Agency 
Thursday 27 February at 4pm / Johnston Suite, IMMA / Booking required on imma.ie   
Join Christina Kennedy, Senior Curator, Head of Collections at IMMA, for an engaging lecture on IMMA Collection: Art as Agency. This talk is followed by the opening of the exhibition. A recording of this talk is available to listen back to on IMMA’s SoundCloud channel. Places are limited for this talk.