28/09/2026
ATAI National Conference 2026 — Identity | Creativity | Education
A Day of Art, Ideas, Inspiration & Connection
What a fabulous day of creativity, conversation and community at the Art Teachers Association of Ireland National Conference 2026 at The Model, Sligo. From the moment we arrived, there was a wonderful atmosphere of curiosity, generosity and shared passion for art education.
The conference brought together an inspiring range of voices and perspectives — from keynote speaker Paul MacCormaic, to artist, surfer and Celtic warrior Barry Britton, whose conversation brought energy and imagination to the day; Salvatore of Lucan, whose deeply personal and honest practice offered much to reflect upon; Oide’s Róisín Rouse , sharing valuable insights for art educators; and Dr Emma Sutton Emma Sutton of NSEAD, who helped broaden the conversation around art education beyond our own context.
We were also delighted to welcome representatives from ASTI ASTI Union and TUI alongside our exhibitors and supporters, connecting the day’s conversations with the wider professional and educational landscape.
We were privileged to share an exclusive filmed interview with Irish artist Jim Fitzpatrick JIM FITZPATRICK , conceived and conducted by ATAI President Elayne Adamczyk Harrington Temper-Mental MissElayneous , exploring identity, culture and creativity. Huge thanks to Denys, who filmed and edited the interview, and to Denys and Blake, who also documented the conference throughout the day. Thank you also to Paddy and Aaron for their AV and technical support throughout the conference. The full interview will form part of the archive at NIVAL — the National Irish Visual Arts Library.
The afternoon continued with a fantastic programme of practical workshops, giving teachers the opportunity to draw, make, explore, experiment and reconnect with their own creative practice. From Tony Mullins’ Chairs as Portraits and Emily Mullins’ More is More: The Art of Embellishment, to Brenda Kearney’s handmade books, the Gallery Tour, Adrienne Randles’ felting workshop, Shane McIntyre’s En Plein Air – Into the Classroom and Dryad’s mixed-media exploration, there was something wonderfully hands-on for everyone.
A huge thank you to all of our suppliers, exhibitors and supporters, who generously contributed to the day — donating raffle prizes, workshop materials and goody bags for all attendees. Special thanks to ASTI and TUI for generously donating prizes to our general conference raffle, alongside Cregal, Dryad, Tara Art Supplies, Evans, Relove Fashion and everyone else who contributed so generously.
A huge and heartfelt thank you to The Model, Sligo, for providing such a vibrant and inspiring setting for the conference, and especially to Johny, Lorna and Patrick, whose liaison, care and collaboration with ATAI helped make the day such a memorable experience.
Thank you also to Foam Café for providing the food and helping create such a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.
And, of course, enormous thanks to ATAI President Elayne Adamczyk Harrington, the ATAI Committee, our speakers, artists, workshop facilitators, organisers, volunteers and everyone who attended and contributed to the spirit of the day.
It was a celebration of art, teaching, making, thinking and the importance of keeping creativity at the heart of education.
Ní neart go cur le chéile.
Until the next one — Slán go fóill.
