Le Chéile exhibition in Louth celebrates culture and connection

Louth County Council hosted a special exhibition at the Civic Offices on Fair Street, Drogheda, recently, showcasing the final artworks and short film created as part of Le Chéile: Creating Connection through Seanfhocail, a Creative Ireland-funded community art initiative promoting integration, creativity and cross-cultural connection.

The exhibition brought together participants, artists, community partners and members of the public to celebrate unity, storytelling and the diverse people who now call County Louth home.

Over six weeks, two separate community groups, one in Drogheda, facilitated by artist Artur Oner (Signs By Oner) in partnership with Foróige, and one in Dundalk, led by Barry Finnegan (Omin) at Creative Spark, explored Irish seanfhocail (proverbs) and transformed them into collaborative artworks reflecting their shared experiences.

The Drogheda group created pieces inspired by ‘Tús maith leath na hoibre’ (A good start is half the battle) and ‘Níl bua gan dua’ (No pain, no gain), symbolising determination, effort and the importance of working together.

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In Dundalk, participants chose ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ (There is strength in unity) and ‘Bíonn siúlach scéalach’ (Every journey tells a story), reflecting themes of belonging, shared journeys and the richness of community life.

A short documentary film capturing the process, created by Louth County Council, premiered at the event, alongside the display of the completed artworks.

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “The Dundalk group chose the phrase ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ - ‘there is strength in unity’ - and it could not be more fitting.

"That message came to life through this project. People from different cultures, different paths and different experiences came together, worked together and created something truly meaningful.

"At a time when connection matters more than ever, this project has shown the very best of what community can be.”

Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda, said: “The young people in Drogheda showed exactly what ‘a good start is half the battle’ looks like.

"They embraced the project, collaborated brilliantly and produced beautiful work that reflects their creativity and resilience.

"In recent weeks, Drogheda has experienced difficult moments, but the spirit shown through Le Chéile reminds us that creativity, understanding and collaboration are powerful antidotes to division. I am incredibly proud of everyone involved.”

Robert Byrnes, Integration Support Coordinator, Louth County Council, said: “Le Chéile aimed to create space for people to meet, learn and share - and the response was exceptional.

"Participants brought not only their artistic ideas but their stories, languages and cultural perspectives. The result is a series of artworks that reflect unity, friendship and the value of connection. We look forward to continuing to build on this work across Louth.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “Seanfhocail is a powerful example of what happens when creativity, community and cultural understanding come together.

"I want to acknowledge the important role of our Local Authority Integration Team, whose work continues to foster inclusion, support new communities and build positive relationships across the county.

"Their collaboration with Creative Ireland, our artists, and our community partners has helped make this project such a success.”

You can watch the documentary, Le Chéile: Creating Connection through Seanfhocail, on the Louth County Council YouTube page.