We Are Still Here: Portraits from Nenagh

A new exhibition by artist Shannen Slattery is running at Nenagh Arts Centre until February 14.

Nenagh Arts Centre is delighted to present ‘We Are Still Here: Portraits from Nenagh’, a powerful new exhibition by local artist and art educator Shannen Slattery. This mixed-media exhibition celebrates the people of Nenagh and surrounding areas, highlighting voices and stories that are often overlooked in wider public narratives. Through photographic portraits combined with hand-stitched and voice recordings, Slattery creates deeply personal works that explore identity, belonging, resilience and visibility within contemporary rural Ireland.

Each portrait is developed through conversation and collaboration, allowing participants to shape how they are represented. The exhibition gives space to real lived experiences and challenges stereotypes about who is seen, heard, and valued in Irish society.

Speaking about the project, Slattery says: “This work is about recognising the people who are already here, already contributing, already part of the fabric of Nenagh. It’s about dignity, presence, and being seen.”

Shannen Slattery is an artist and educator whose practice focuses on socially engaged art, community collaboration, and inclusive creative spaces. Her work often explores identity, heritage, and social justice through photography, painting, and textile processes.

The exhibition opens with a public reception on Friday, February 6, at 6pm, and all are warmly invited to attend. There will also be a Meet the Artist session on Saturday, February 7, at 12pm, where Shannen will speak about the process and the community collaboration behind the work. Admission: Free.