The exhibition opened in the Garter Lane Arts Centre on Thursday evening, 9 May. We were delighted to see, among the “flying birds” of the show, many of the artists and illustrators who created the artwork on display.

The show is the result of a collaboration between IBBY Ireland, Illustrators Ireland and Garter Lane, and features the work of over 30 professional artists and illustrators and people who have “migrated” to Ireland and are living in Direct Provision.

The theme of migration was chosen in order to highlight the situation that refugees across Europe are faced with and the exhibition  “ was inspired by what it is to flee on a wing and a prayer.”

The event was opened by Síle Pinkert, Executive Director of Garter Lane, Michelle McQuaid, who works with the Waterford Area Partnership, and Jane O’Hanlon, President of IBBY Ireland.

Origami birds created by students at local schools were also on display in the gallery and are a lovely visual addition to the theme of the exhibition.

The show will run until the end of June.