Using the Cultural Spaces available at Richmond Barracks

Neuroconvergence 2024, organised by Happenings Ireland, with the support of Dublin City Council, aimed to break down barriers and bring people together for meaningful conversation, encounters and celebration. This was a city-wide community coming together for a creative event featuring a summer solstice party with music, performance, comedy, panel discussions, conversations and more. 

As Happenings Ireland explain:

“On June 22nd, 2024, Happenings launched the first Neuroconvergence Festival at Richmond Barracks, supported by Dublin City Council and in association with As I Am, ADHD Ireland, Neuropride, Neurodiversity Ireland, Dyspraxia Ireland, Dyslexia Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland, The Centre for Talented Youth, SENCO, Neurodiversity Irishtown, Ringsend and Pearse Street, NeuroHive, Involve Autism, Connect the Dots, and Happenings.

It was a truly inspirational day filled with events and experiences. The day began with a facilitated discussion by Connect the Dots on how the neurodivergent community of charities, organisations, and individuals can be stronger together. This was followed by an afternoon of public festivities, including musical, theatrical, spoken word, and dance performances by neurodivergent artists, panel discussions, magic shows, games, laughter, and tears. It was a great start to a project that will grow from strength to strength.

As a neurodivergent-led event for individuals and families, there were events and activities to suit all ages as well as access to sensory spaces and take a break spaces as needed. A more sensitive, inclusive, caring and fully supported society for all is a win for all!

We were proud to host this event as it allowed us to work with a wide range of groups across the Neurodivergent community to create an event at Richmond Barracks that was inclusive and enjoyable. 

Working alongside artists and an events team who themselves were neurodivergent allowed us a chance to look again at how we can make our spaces the most inclusive they can be and to celebrate the creativity of all involved.

In August we will bring together our local community and Dublin’s diverse communities seeking international protection.

 On August 17 we will collaborate on our second Solidarity Dinner with MASI, RAMSI, CATU and Cooking for Freedom to bring together the community in solidarity with individuals and families seeking international protection from across the city. 

Bringing people and organisations together to grow knowledge, understanding, and respect makes us stronger together. These are joyful events where food and culture are shared and celebrated alongside music and workshops. 

At the first of these events we hosted in April we hosted, spoke and ate with families and individuals from across Dublin and beyond who were living in Direct Provision and seeking international protection. Communities across our city are enriched by the sharing of varied cultural experiences and by creating new relationships and understanding.

We were delighted to introduce people to our ongoing programme of workshops and activities at Richmond Barracks and get lots of new members for our local library and volunteers to join us in our community garden.

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Dublin's vibrant and varied communities and community groups are incredibly important and we support and facilitate their events as much as possible in our Cultural Spaces. In addition, we work extensively with communities spread across the wider city who come together to celebrate their shared purpose and goals. 

These are just two samples of a range of events we work on which bring new opportunities for community and creative gatherings with sustainability and accessibility at their core. Keep an eye on our News page for information about our upcoming public events and how to get involved.