We want to open up ways for people to experiment with all kinds of culture.
Culture Connects is our year-round programme that invites people in Dublin to try out new things. We offer ways for people to make and create together, to share ideas and connect through culture and conversation.
We continuously check how people are experiencing the different programmes we offer, gathering feedback in different ways so we strive to make our work better.
A Culture Connects workshop at Richmond Barracks
We observed that whilst our programmes offered lots of ways for people of all ages to try something new, there weren't as many young people taking part in our activities.
Through our Tea and Chats programme, and listening to people who take part in our programmes, we have learned the importance of social connection to health and wellbeing, and how coming together in person is vitally important to young people in the digital age.
In 2025, we focused on developing new opportunities for young people to take part in our Culture Connects programme at Richmond Barracks. We started to offer more workshops specifically welcoming teenagers and young people, and we made it clear where our workshops for adults were also suitable for young people aged 15+ in how we describe them on the website and in the printed programme.
In March 2025, we started Sketchbook Club, an art club for young people aged 15 to 23 to draw and make art. The workshops were hosted by Artist in Residence Kate Escolin, and everyone was welcome, whether you were an experienced artist or just starting out. The first Sketchbook Club workshop had just two people, but over the weeks and months, more people joined to take part and the momentum grew.
Artist in Residence Kate Escolin describes how the workshops have developed:
“Sketchbook Club has fostered a brilliant community of young artists. I think it is important to provide young people with a third space, outside of home and school, to be able to socialise in person. Sketchbook Club has created a wholesome group of friends, and witnessing how welcoming they are towards new members has been lovely.
“I can see their art styles developing greatly due to having weekly time to experiment and play. It has also been great to see not only their bond with art improve, but also their interpersonal skills strengthen throughout the months. In my opinion, promoting the development of their self confidence is just as important as advancing their art skills.”
Artist in Residence, Kate Escolin
The participants also emphasised the importance of the social part of the workshops. Here is a selection of their feedback:
"Love the freedom of talking to other people and being able to draw what I want. Love our host, Kate. Love the songs and choosing songs and giving requests."
"Chill vibe, good music, the chats, good space."
"I enjoyed the nice art session. I enjoyed making my new friend. I enjoyed everything."
"I enjoyed being able to talk to new people and bond over common interests."
"What I like best is being able to meet and talk to new people."
"The freedom of drawing with different mediums and a change of scenery."
Poster created by participants of Sketchbook Club
Everyone aged 15 to 23 is welcome to take part in Sketchbook Club. There are monthly workshops in November and December, and then weekly workshops from January. The next workshop is on Tuesday 4 November at 6 pm. There will also be workshops on Tuesday 2nd December and weekly on Tuesdays from 13th January to 3rd March.
Young people aged 15+ can take part in arts and crafts activities, dancing, singing, drama and lots more. See our What’s On page for the full programme.
Posted 30 October 2025
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