11 trailblazing women from, or with links to, the Munster region, have been selected as subjects of Accenture’s Women on Walls at University College Cork (UCC).
This group of pioneering women, including Honora ‘Nano’ Nagle (1718-1784), are all visionaries and champions who have contributed to the betterment of society. They will now feature in a new portrait series at UCC and an open call has been announced to artists, to bring their stories to life through art.
Following a public call for subject suggestions this year, UCC this week announced the 11 women who will feature in the portrait series. They are:
- Brigid Carmody, coordinator of Cork Traveller Women’s Network, a grass-roots community organisation that works for Traveller rights, leadership, culture and heritage.
- Mary Crilly, feminist activist and founding member and CEO of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork.
- Dr. Myra Cullinane, medical doctor, barrister and Senior Dublin District coroner who held the Stardust inquests.
- Dr. Evelyn Grant, musician, broadcaster, educator, arts advocate, social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Cork Pops Orchestra.
- Honora ‘Nano’ Nagle (1718-1784), pioneering educator, defender of the poor and founder of the Presentation Sisters religious order.
- Dr. Naomi Masheti, psychologist, three-time UCC graduate and Programme Director of the Cork Migrant Centre.
- Edna O’Brien (1930-2024), novelist, memoirist, playwright, poet and short-story writer.
- Joanne O’Riordan, sports journalist, disability activist, motivational speaker and student of law.
- Dr. Patricia Sheahan, consultant palliative care physician and head of palliative care at University Hospital Kerry.
- Caitríona Twomey, volunteer co-ordinator of Cork Penny Dinners, a charity that offers food and support to anyone in need.
- Dola Twomey, therapist/activist at the Sexual Violence Centre Cork.
INSPIRING GENERATIONS
Accenture’s Women on Walls at UCC received more than 600 nominations through a public call which sought nominations of women leaders from, or with links to, the Munster region. The subjects were chosen by a selection panel of UCC staff and student leadership.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, Professor John O’Halloran, President of UCC, said: “Following a powerful response to our public call for nominations, we are delighted to announce the eleven trailblazing women who will feature in Accenture’s Women on Walls at UCC, supported by Business to Arts. By commissioning portraits of these extraordinary pioneers, we aim to celebrate their contributions and make Ireland’s female leaders visible in a collection that will inspire generations to come.”
OPEN CALL
The open call for artists will run from Tuesday, 26th November to Thursday, 16th January 2025. Applications can be made via the Business to Arts website.
Qualifying artists are welcome to submit an application and concept proposal in response to the Commission Brief via Business to Arts before 5pm on Thursday, 16 January 2025. It is anticipated that the successful artists will be announced in spring 2025 and that the completed artworks will be unveiled in winter 2025, joining the UCC Art Collection and will be exhibited in UCC’s historic Aula Maxima.
Further information and the detailed commission brief is available from https://www.businesstoarts.ie/about-us/news
