The Art of Space: Building Inclusive and Sustainable Creative Communities

Kicking off 2025, I’m reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past year—especially in creating spaces where artists with unseen disabilities and chronic illnesses can truly thrive.

As an artist, I’ve learned one of the most important lessons: it’s all about the space. And no, I’m not just talking about the physical rooms we rehearse in or the stages we perform on. I’m talking about the kind of space that’s wide enough to allow us to grow, make mistakes, take risks, and dream big. It’s that metaphorical space where creativity thrives—where it doesn’t just survive but blossoms.

When I started Musici Ireland, I didn’t just want to create a successful chamber music ensemble. I wanted to create something bigger than that—something that mattered. I wanted to give a voice to the artists who often get left out of the conversation. The ones who haven’t always had the platform they deserve. And that’s not just women (although, let’s be real, there’s a huge need to create space for women in the arts) but anyone who’s felt like they don’t fit the traditional mold. That’s where the magic happens, right?

 Let’s face it: the classical music world can be pretty intimidating. It’s steeped in tradition, and while that’s beautiful in its own way, it can sometimes feel like it’s only made for a certain kind of artist. But when I started Musici Ireland, I saw an opportunity to turn that narrative on its head. To say: “This isn’t just for a select few. This is for everyone.” And by everyone, I mean the artists who have something to say but may not have been given the chance to say it. It’s about making art—and the world of art—more inclusive.

 For me, it wasn’t just about creating a space for a particular kind of artist. It was about making space for all artists: the emerging ones, the established ones, the ones with disabilities, and those who don’t see themselves represented in mainstream artistic conversations. But I also quickly realised that the idea of space goes beyond just physical space. It's about creating room for people to belong. Room for artists to explore and stretch their creativity without fear of failure or judgment.

 In the early days, I remember juggling all kinds of hats—artist, entrepreneur, and yes, also a new mum. It wasn’t always easy. I realised that the freedom to build something my way wasn’t just about getting to make the rules—it was about changing the game entirely. I needed to build something that allowed me to thrive, and to create opportunities for others to do the same. It wasn’t just about me and my goals—it was about building a space for other people to create their own paths, too. Because let’s face it: freelancing in the arts isn’t always about smooth sailing. It’s more like riding a rollercoaster, where the highs are exhilarating, and the lows can feel like you’re falling into an abyss. But if we can make space for each other through those ups and downs? That’s where the magic lies.

One of the things I’ve been most proud of is watching how creating space for others leads to beautiful, unexpected things. We’ve seen it in Musici Ireland’s “side by side” program, where young musicians gain real-world experience and mentoring. We’ve seen it in our projects like Chronically Hopeful, where artists with various unseen disabilities and chronic illnesses came together to create something that truly resonated with audiences. And it’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about giving these artists a platform where they can explore, create, and be recognised for their talent. This is something that, frankly, there often isn’t space for in traditional performance settings, and creating that space? It’s not easy. Trust me!

Scheduling and making progress can be incredibly slow when you have a company with 85% of people living with conditions that might require them to take weeks off suddenly or not be able to attend every rehearsal. But this is exactly why the work is so important—it’s not just about putting on a show; it’s about giving artists the room to bring their full selves to the process, even when their full selves are navigating the complexities of chronic illness and disability.

 Now, as we look toward the future and expand our work, the dream is clear: to create a permanent home for Musici Ireland. A space where we can build on the work we’ve already done and continue to grow, together. It’s not just about the physical space (although, let’s be real, that would make life way easier)—it’s about creating a culture where the arts aren’t just a “privilege” for the few but a right for everyone. Where no one feels like they don’t belong. Where every voice has a chance to be heard.

 That’s why I’m so passionate about this work. I believe in the idea of building a creative community where everyone can contribute and learn from one another, where we can push boundaries and challenge the status quo. I want Musici Ireland to be a place that fosters collaboration and innovation, where artists can do their best work and feel supported in the process. Because it’s not enough just to talk about change. We have to be the ones who make it happen.

 But to make that happen? We need the resources. We need funding, support, and the right people behind us to help expand this vision. We need a space that reflects the kind of work we want to see in the world: inclusive, boundary-pushing, and constantly evolving. A space where the arts are something we all share, not something reserved for the elite few.

 When I look back at the journey we’ve taken with Musici Ireland, I see how much has already been achieved—and I see the endless possibilities still ahead of us. The future is full of opportunities to make art that matters. But most importantly, it’s about continuing to build the spaces where all artists can thrive. Where they can take their dreams and turn them into something bigger than they ever imagined.

 That’s what I’m working toward. And I hope you’ll join us.