A–Or

Creative Ireland Arts Act Grant, Carlow

“A–Our” is a participatory arts project by Paul Byrne, supported through a Creative Ireland Arts Act Grant, developed in collaboration with community groups across Carlow. The project centres on a custom-designed journal created by Byrne, which guides participants through a structured process of reflection on wellbeing, identity and personal experience. Through accessible prompts and exercises, the journal supports individuals in articulating thoughts and emotions that may otherwise remain unexpressed, creating a foundation for creative exploration rooted in lived experience.

Building from this reflective process, participants translate their journaled insights into individual augmented reality artworks, which can be removed from the journal and presented as framed pieces. This transition from private reflection to public expression is central to the project, offering a tangible outcome that holds personal meaning while inviting wider engagement. “A–Our” demonstrates how creative processes can support wellbeing, authorship and confidence, while integrating emerging technology in a way that is inclusive, guided and grounded in community-based practice.