Support our Artists: Jennifer Cunningham

The Civic Theatre in Tallaght is giving grants to people across the cultural sector who have lost work due to the Covid-19 crisis – you can make a donation to the Artist Emergency Relief Fund here.

The recipients of Artist Emergency Relief Fund grants explain, in their own words, what they do and exactly why the grant scheme offers essential support for the nation’s artists. Meet Visual Artist Jennifer Cunnigham.

Jennifer Cunningham is a visual artist who works with a wide range of different media including painting, printmaking and drawing, film and digital media. This is reflected in her teaching practice as she caters her teaching to suit the individual, she is a gentle and encouraging teacher who works with all abilities from complete beginners to advanced students.

“I always thought that having multiple income streams, for example, by working as a visual designer for theatre, giving workshops in schools, selling work and having exhibitions, and running my business teaching art classes, would protect me financially.

Like many in the creative sector, I was overworked at times, but I never envisioned losing my entire income overnight. The impact on my ability to earn will continue for some time to come, and the award will go some way in helping me move aspects of my practice online so that I can earn some income.

I plan on using the award to purchase essential equipment and to pay outstanding bills in the run-up to Christmas.”

Jennifer is currently working on “Virtually Here” with another artist/theatre practitioner called Jojo Hynes. Its a pilot project for schools in partnership with Galway2020 and the PDST ( Professional Development Service for teachers.) See https://galway2020.ie/en/news/virtually-here/

Find out more about the Artist Emergency Relief Fund here.