CULTURE: Linenhall hosts photo exhibition by children in care

In celebration of Care Day 2025, Tusla – Child and Family Agency, EPIC (Empowering People in Care) and Foróige Connect in conjunction with the Linenhall Arts Centre have launched an inspiring photography exhibition ‘Voices from Care, Ripples of Change’. The exhibition is on display in the Linenhall Arts Centre foyer, Castlebar, is free to view and runs until the end of this month.
At the end of December 2024, 146 children and young people were in care in Mayo. Care Day is a celebration of all children and young people with care experience, which includes children and young people who are or were cared for by family members, in foster care, children’s residential care or aftercare.
This year’s theme ‘Voices from Care, Ripples of Change’ celebrates the transformative power of hearing directly from these young people about their lived experiences. Each voice from care carries a unique perspective, shedding light on both challenges and triumphs. Care Day is a call to listen, learn, and amplify their voices, as every story has the potential to create ripples of change.

Celebrating stories
The exhibition features contributions from care-experienced children and young people from Mayo ranging in age from eight to 21 years of age. It is the result of the collaboration of young people with care experience working with Tusla, EPIC advocacy service and Foróige Connect to develop artworks and share their narratives. Their newly created photography will be displayed alongside EPIC’s Care Day ‘Embrace Your Stories’ exhibition. This year’s theme is a powerful reminder that every story matters and that change begins when we truly listen.
Commenting on the exhibition, Heather Wilson, Mayo Area Manager, Tusla, said:
“Children and young people from Tusla’s foster care, residential care and aftercare services across Ireland took part in this exhibition and we are delighted to be able to share and celebrate their stories. Children and young people with care experience use their talents and their voices to help inform all of us about their personal experiences.
“Care Day is a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise their achievements and support young people to reach their full potential. This exhibition is all about sharing the voice of all of those who have experiences of being in care in this county. I encourage everyone to drop by the exhibition and be part of the ripples of change.”
Empowering People in Care a rights-based organisation advocating with and for children in care, young care leavers, and anyone with experience of the care system up to the age of 26. It operates the only National Advocacy Service for care-experienced youth, which works to ensure that their voices are represented and considered in decisions that affect their lives. EPIC conducts a programme of research and policy informed by the data generated by its Advocacy Service caseload, which aims to provide an evidence base to support national decision making on alternative care.
EPIC also delivers a programme of youth engagement and participation that provides spaces for connection, fun and growth, as well as opportunities for action and learning by working on youth-led campaigns and projects.