A unique seminar on creativity and disability access will take place next Wednesday, December 3, in the University of Galway’s O’Donoghue Theatre, running from 1pm to 5.30pm.

This community event, Through A Prism: Creativity and Disability, invites artists, advocates and audiences to explore the role of arts and creativity in raising awareness, supporting advocacy and documenting the lived experiences of people with disability. It’s being delivered by the Galway Centre for Independent Living, in partnership with Galway City Council Arts Office.

The initiative is part of Galway City Council’s new programme-partnership model, and, according to a spokesperson, “reflects the Council’s commitment to advancing equality, inclusion and accessibility in the arts, while supporting artists and strengthening the cultural landscape of Galway City”.

Taking place on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this seminar will feature panel conversations, breakout sessions, discussions and a case-study presentation of A Personal Prism by Athenry playwright David Joyce.

A Personal Prism, which premiered in November 2024, is a moving, funny and affecting drama of life in a West of Ireland town, told from the perspective of a young man in a wheelchair.

Its author David Joyce has an MA in Drama and Theatre Studies from the University of Galway and is a previous winner of the Arts and Disability Ireland Mentoring Award.

Last year’s premiere of the play in collaboration with Galway’s Town Hall Theatre, was performed in the Black Box as well as in Tuam and Portumna.

A Personal Prism explores how the arts can support and advocate for disabled people, as well as examining how embracing disability perspectives can lead to richer storytelling and deeper creative expression – shaping more inclusive experiences for everyone.

Next Wednesday’s programme will include contributions from barrister and human rights activist, Lorraine Lally; journalist, disability activist, playwright and screenwriter Louise Bruton; Arts and Disability Coordinator with Mayo County Council Damien O’Connor; Senior Lecturer in Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Galway; Dr Charlotte McIvor; playwright David Joyce, and the cast of A Personal Prism, Matthew Nolan, Johanne Webb and Gerard Howard.

This seminar will explore the evolving relationship between creativity and accessibility and is open to everybody.

Whether you’re an artist curious about beginning work in this area, a disability advocate, a creative practitioner, a student, an educator, part of a resource organisation, or simply someone interested in how creativity and disability can shape more inclusive ways of working, this event is for you, according to the organisers.

Through A Prism, from the Galway Centre for Independent Living and Galway City Council’s Arts Office, is about strengthening inclusion, creativity and community engagement across Galway’s cultural landscape – amplifying disabled voices, supporting artists and expanding access to meaningful cultural participation.

They look forward to continuing this partnership into 2026.

Next Wednesday’s seminar is free but advance registration is required and this can be done via Ticket Tailor. Light refreshments will be provided.

Pictured: Matthew Nolan as Lee and Johanne Webb as Megan in David Joyce’s play, A Personal Prism.