Dance Workshop with Ilê Aiyê Ebony Goddess Larissa Valeria
Location: People’s Pavilion
Free, All welcome, Book here

The Ilê Aiyê dance workshop celebrates Afro-Brazilian heritage, connecting participants with the Dance of Afro Blocos and African Royalties. Led by Larissa Valeria, the Queen of Ilê Aiyê in 2024, this workshop shares a revered black expression that embodies rich symbolism and interpretation inherent in the dances performed by the Queens and Goddesses of Afro Blocos. Participants will gain insight into the cultural depth and historical significance embedded in each movement.

Drumming Workshop with Master Marivaldo Paim from Ilê  Aiyê 
Location: People’s Pavilion
Free, All welcome, Book here

Samba Afro Essentials is a vibrant and immersive experience of the rhythmic traditions of Afro-Brazilian music. This workshop offers participants the opportunity to explore the fundamental aspects of Samba Afro, the rhythmic heartbeat of Ilê Aiyê. Under the guidance of percussion master and musical director of Ilê Aiyê, Marivaldo Paim, explore techniques and rhythmic patterns that define the Bloco Afro style. Engage in a hands-on experience with percussion instruments including surdo, repiniques, and tambourines, while gaining an understanding of the evolution of Ilê Aiyê’s repertoire over its 50-year history and exploring recent innovations in Afro-Brazilian percussion.

Turban Yourself – Textile Crowns and The Legacy of Ilê Aiyê’s Headwraps with Thaís Muniz 
Location: The Matheson Creativity Hub
Free, All welcome, Book here

In the universe of Ilê Aiyê, turbans and headwraps symbolize the crowns of women, whether they be the Ebony Goddess or a participant in the Bloco. Turbans are a unique characteristic of the Bloco, and for its celebrations, they have been crafted since the beginning by Dete Lima, the group’s stylist. In Dublin, this workshop will be led by the Bahian artist Thaís Muniz, founder of the Turbante-se platform, who has been researching the rich history and practical techniques of turbans and headwraps in Afro-Atlantic cultures since 2012. During this 2-hour session, spanning from ancient to contemporary times, explore the significance of characters, traditions, new interpretations, and the non-verbal communication conveyed through the headwear. Discover its role in art, politics, and aesthetics. Additionally, learn how to tie various styles of headwraps through practical tutorials and demonstrations.

Location: Matheson Creativity Hub
Free, All welcome, Book here

IMMA presents newly commissioned work from Array Collective in the current exhibition Self-Determination: Artists Commissions. In response to this work, IMMA is holding painting workshops where participants will be invited to design and paint their own ceramic plate inspired by the installation.  

The workshop will explore the histories, narratives and materials surrounding the installation, allowing these observations to guide the creation of your final composition, and completed plate. 

Participants with all levels of creative experience are welcome. Places for this workshop are free but booking is essential. The workshops are facilitated by Eleanor McCaughey and Olive Barrett from IMMA’s Visitor Engagement Team. 

 *Please wear appropriate clothing as we will be using permanent multi surface paints. 

Location: Matheson Creativity Hub
Free, All welcome, Book here

You are invited to experience art and mindfulness at IMMA, opening your eyes to a fresh perspective. Take time for yourself, slowing down to look closely, connect with the senses and create in a relaxed atmosphere. These workshops open to all, no experience of art or mindfulness is necessary. Previous participants have described In the Moment as:

“Time out for me to do something for myself” 
“A new experience, sharing art with others and learning from each other” 
“Relaxing!” 
“A mind-opening experience” 

Seating will be provided during all workshops and we can accommodate additional accessibility needs as required.
Each workshop will begin with a gentle warmup to relax the body and mind, awaken the senses and  encourage us to slow down and be present.

We will then look closely at a selected artwork at IMMA, taking time to explore it and to share our impressions in a relaxed conversation. Knowledge of contemporary art is not necessary, we are particularly interested in looking at art with fresh eyes! You will also have a chance to respond creatively in writing, drawing or through other imaginative exercises designed to help you connect with the work.  There is no pressure to produce a work of art, or share your responses with others, these prompts will enable you to experience the artwork in a different way and engage your brain creatively.

This programme is part of IMMA Horizons: Lifelong Creativity for the Curious. You can also watch a video on Youtube with curator Bairbre Ann Harkin for further information.

Online
Free, booking required. Email: [email protected] 

Take a break from the everyday with a captivating lunchtime, online art experience to ignite your curiosity. In a world often racing at breakneck speed, take a moment to delve deeper with IMMA Horizons’ Slow Art Online. From the comfort of your own location, IMMA guides will lead you through an unhurried exploration of each artwork, encouraging you to engage your senses and unravel the stories contained within. With time for you to reflect and make your own creative connections, this virtual tour offers an opportunity to deepen your connection with art and cultivate a more mindful approach to viewing.  

This programme is part of IMMA Horizons: Lifelong Creativity for the Curious. IMMA Horizons provides free creative experiences and events for adults to meet and explore art together at a relaxed pace, in a sociable and supportive environment that encourages active participation by all. Take time for yourself and discover new ways of looking at the world and connecting with others, through facilitated experiences at IMMA and online. 

Join us for a virtual, online IMMA slow art experience! Delve deeper, as we explore IMMA artworks by engaging the senses and fostering creative responses.  

For more information about our IMMA Horizons programme click here.

Location: Matheson Creativity Hub
Free, drop-in. 

Have some creative family time with our Explorer family art workshops. Children and grown-ups can explore selected artworks in the museum and make artworks together. This is an ideal opportunity to experience the historic building and expansive grounds of the museum. Art materials are provided by IMMA.

Sessions are led by our Visitor Engagement team, along with special artist-led workshops throughout August.

Explorer is free and drop-in but places are allocated on a first come first served basis and according to the space available on the day.

Ceardlann ealaíne as Gaeilge do theaghlaigh.  
Déan saothar ealaíne do lasmuigh a dhearadh do IMMA

Láthair: Mol Cruthaitheachta Matheson agus tailte an Mhúsaeim 
Éascaitheoirí: Maggie Madden agus Stephen Taylor, Ealaíontóirí 
Saor in aisce, is gá áirithint a dhéanamh. Déan áirithint anseo 

Tá go leor saothar ó bhailiúchán IMMA ar taispeáint faoi láthair ar thailte an Mhúsaeim.  Is as réimse leathan ábhar atá na saothair sin déanta; cré-umha, dair, cruach, cloch eibhir agus cloch aoil ina measc.

Le linn na ceardlainne teaghlaigh seo, breathnóidh muid go grinn ar roinnt de na saothair agus déanfar  plé ar scála, ábhair, marthanacht agus ar na coincheapa atá i gceist leis na saothair.
Beidh deis ag rannpháirtithe saothar ealaíne samhailteach don taobh amuigh a dhearadh do IMMA agus mionsamhail beag a dhéanamh dá smaoineamh ealaíne.

Tá fáilte roimh gach leibhéal líofachta sa Gaeilge, seo bealach spraíúil chun úsáid a bhaint as do chúpla focal!

Saor in aisce, tá teorainn le líon na spásanna ar fáil, is gá áirithint a dhéanamh.

Cuirfear ábhar ealaíne ar fáil. Beidh cuid den cheardlann ar siúl amuigh faoin aer agus beidh siúlóid ghearr i gceist chomh fada le 5 nó 6 cinn de na saothair.  Caith éadaí agus bróga oiriúnacha le do thoil.

Family Workshop as Gaeilge 
Design an outdoor artwork for IMMA 

Location: Matheson Creativity Hub and IMMA grounds 
Facilitators: Maggie Madden and Stephen Taylor, artists 
Free, booking required. Book here 

A number of works from the IMMA Collection are currently displayed in the grounds of the Museum. The artworks are made from a wide range of materials including bronze, oak, steel, granite and limestone.

During this family workshop we will take a closer look at a selection of these artworks, discussing scale, materials, durability and concepts behind the works. Participants will be invited to design an imaginary outdoor artwork for IMMA and to make a small model of their idea.

All levels of Irish speakers are welcome, a fun and creative way to practice your cúpla focal!

Places for this workshop are free but limited. All materials will be provided. Part of the workshop will be held outdoors, we will walk short distances to 5 or 6 of the works. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

BODY BUBBLE WORKSHOPS: Saturday 27 July
Hosted by melanie bonajo and Pawel Chill Dudus (Skinship_touch_based_place_for_Kinship)

Workshop – CONSENTSHIP
10 – 1pm: Matheson Creativity Hub
Ticketed – Book here
Join artist melanie bonajo and Pawel CHILL Dudus of kinship collective for a (re)connection workshop about consent and boundaries. A series of exercises will explore how feeling is a form of intelligence and how feeling our boundaries is an act of social justice, an act of self-care and care for others. This is a queer-friendly workshop, the theme of consent will be explored through touching exercises. Participants are asked to bring a blanket or yoga mat.

This workshop is for anyone working and teaching in the area of consent. Places are limited. Ticketed – Book here

WORKSHOP – Collective Body Spells
2 – 5pm: Matheson Creativity Hub
Ticketed – Book Here
What does it mean to summon a queer collective body to create a spell? How do we recognise the voice of our collective body and our voice inside of it? And to which collective future do our bodies say YES?

“Collective Body Spells” is a workshop about honouring individual needs while weaving them into the fabric of togetherness, creating a harmonious dance of interconnectedness. Picture a swarm of (queer) bodies moving as one, with each person at the centre having their needs met – that’s the essence of a collective body prayer, fostering genuine connections and shared moments of joy. The human body is the most basic connection to our planet and our future. Through movement, deep listening, empathetic understanding, and inner inquiry, join us as we sculpt a space together where every voice is heard.

This workshop is open to everyone who is interested. Places are limited. Ticketed – Book Here