Depictions of rural life in art often focus on the romantic, leaving the subject of loneliness underexamined. ‘Where do we all belong?’ is a socially-engaged visual art project addressing loneliness in Co. Sligo, Ireland.

In 2023 the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre found that Ireland has the highest levels of loneliness in Europe with over 20% of respondents reporting feeling lonely most or all of the time compared to a 13% average across the EU.

‘Where do we all belong?’ will engage with communities in rural Sligo to create a visual art project that will educate, entertain and inspire meaningful connections and promote social inclusion.

The Research phase.
We are currently in the Research stage of the project where we will engage with communities in rural Sligo. Mobile vehicles are often used to provide services in rural areas, for example mobile shops, libraries and medical services. From May 19 until May 23 we will travel the county in a research van to consult with communities in rural Sligo collecting anonymous surveys, thoughts and anecdotes about people’s experiences with loneliness. The surveys are a short-form of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, one of the most commonly used and trusted loneliness scales.

The research will inform a visual art project which will culminate in an exhibition at Abhainn Gallery in Enniscrone later this year.

Concept and Direction: Ronan Dillon

Production & Exhibition: Abhainn Gallery

Documentation & Film : Peter Martin

Supported by: West Sligo Family Resource Centre