Foundations in Communities:
What does Michael Davitt mean to me?
The Michael Davitt Museum invited members of the Foxford Alzheimer’s and Community Trust (F.A.C.T.) Social Club to take part in an art workshop during National Heritage Week 2025.
This workshop was supported by Mayo County Council and The Heritage Council through the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2025.
The Objectives of this workshop were to:
- Celebrate Michael Davitt’s Contribution to Irish Society:
This event offered an opportunity to reflect on Michael Davitt’s lasting influence on Irish society, especially his dedication to improving the lives of the poor and dispossessed. Through a talk and art workshop, participants explored Davitt’s life, his work, and its relevance to the challenges faced in society today. Attendees were encouraged to consider what Davitt’s story means to them personally. - Enhance Cultural Identity:
As a passionate advocate for the Irish people, Michael Davitt’s values continue to shape Ireland’s national identity. The event invited reflection on how museums and communities can work together in an inclusive and creative way to preserve, interpret, and celebrate cultural heritage in a changing world.
The Artist
Theresa Murphy is a multidisciplinary artist who works across painting, sculpture, digital drawing, photography, video, and installation. Her art explores how personal and collective trauma shape the human experience and the mind. Drawing on her background in Northern Ireland, she creates installations that combine sculpture, imagery, sound, and text to share her stories. Through this work, she opens a space for reflection and dialogue about psychology, memory, and social issues.
The workshop
FFacilitator-led abstract painting workshop: using acrylics, music, creative activity, and poetry reading.
- Colour Fields – Large areas of colour expressing emotion or ideas.
- Symbolic Shapes – Encouraging simple, personal imagery.
- Texture & Layering – Using brushes, scrapers, and sponges to build depth and movement.
Texture & Layering – Using brushes, scrapers, and sponges to build depth and movement.
Each participant brought home their artwork as a personal reminder of their experience.
Outcomes and Impact
The project emphasised the vital role of museums as active community spaces that preserve and share cultural stories for future generations. By exploring Michael Davitt’s legacy through art and conversation, the event encouraged reflection on how museums help build inclusive, connected, and resilient communities in times of social, cultural, and technological change.
What does Michael Davitt mean to me?
Gallery of Artworks
