10 years on: Reflecting on Art and Marriage Equality is a one-day event co-organised by IMMA and the National Gallery of Ireland. The event will focus on visual art, bringing together artists, historians, and activists to explore a century of LGBTQIA+ visibility, cultural expression, and resistance. Conceived to mark the tenth anniversary of the 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum, the focus expands to consider a broader historical and artistic perspective, acknowledging the struggles, setbacks, and victories that have shaped queer lives over the past 100 years. The event will bring together leading international voices, contributing to the ongoing LGBTQIA+ narratives and revision of history.
The event seeks to provide a distinctive, reflective space—one that foregrounds lived experiences, artistic interventions, and historical struggles, situating Irish experiences within a wider global and historical context while deepening public awareness of LGBTQIA+ history and the role of art in queer activism.
In the lead-up to the event, we have launched an Oral History Initiative to collect public reflections on the 2015 referendum. Contributions can be submitted via this link.
Recognising the emotional weight of the topics discussed, onsite wellbeing resources will be available for speakers and attendees, in cooperation with Outhouse.
The event will be convened by Kate Drinane, National Gallery of Ireland; and Seán Kissane, IMMA.
Central themes include:
Scroll down this page for programme details
As we mark the 10-year anniversary of the Marriage Equality Act, 2015, a historical moment for Ireland, IMMA is excited to launch an oral history initiative Celebrating 10 years of Marriage Equality – Building a Collective Memory.
Through digital storytelling, this participatory initiative seeks to capture the lived experiences and emotions surrounding through public participation. We invite individuals to share their personal reflections on that moment—where they were, when they heard the result, what it felt like, and how it shaped their understanding of love, identity, and belonging.
We are asking you to respond to three questions:
What did that moment feel like for you?
Did it change your hopes for the future?
What does it feel like to fall in love?
By preserving these voices, we aim to build a rich collective memory of social change, ensuring that the stories of love, activism, and resilience that defined this historic milestone continue to resonate for future generations. Submit your answers here.
All data will be collected and stored in line with the IMMA’s data protection policy which can be read here