Northside heroes!

A SELECTION of specially commissioned art works featuring local heroes was unveiled last week as part of a unique cultural project.

Local Heroes throws a spotlight on extraordinary Dubliners including Jamie Harrington from Ballymun, Shirley Higgins from Cabra, Ger Kellet from Ballymun, Ellie Kisyombe from Finglas and Nessa McNamara from Drumcondra.

The project was created by the recently established Dublin City Council Culture Company and if features seven artists, including dancers, musicians, poets, animators, and photographers who were commissioned to create individual ‘portraits’ of the exceptional Dubliners.  

Dublin Lord Mayor Nial Ring said: “This is a very special event honouring, in such a creative way, just some of the many great people across our city.

“It is the people of Dublin that make this city great and this project perfectly demonstrates that. The dedication to fellow citizens and passion for their community of these Local Heroes, and the creativity and imagination of these artists, all contribute to making our city a great place to live.

“This project has not only produced a unique set of artworks, but has allowed those involved to share stories, know each other better and met new people from different walks of life with whom they share this wonderful city with.”

Jamie Harrington’s portrait was created by Neil O’Driscoll. The Ballymun local is was one of the youngest heroes selected for the project.

Well known by locals, Jamie has been a youth worker in the community for many years and in his spare time runs a homeless dinner service in Dublin’s city centre with his mam.

Home Economics and Science teacher Shirley Higgins had her portrait created by Philip Arneill.

Shirley has worked at St Mary’s School for the Deaf  in Cabra for over 21 years and established an after school choir, performing through Irish Sign Language.

Starting out with 11 students she now has three thriving choirs made up of over 150 students past and present. The choirs performed for the Pope during his recent visit to Ireland and even featured on ‘Ireland’s Got Talent’.

Hip-hop artist and radio broadcaster Ger Kellet from Ballymun had his portrait created by Emma O’Kane.

Ger is an advocate for emerging and independent Irish artists with a passion for sound and media. He started recording music in the Axis Centre in Ballymun at the age of 13, and since then has collaborated with artists across the country, produced work for RTE, RAW TV and delivered a workshop in rap at his old school.

Currently he is a radio broadcaster, and has been celebrating Irish artists as the host and producer of the Creative Minds Stage at the Otherworld Festival.

Ellie Kisyombe was teamed up with Neil O’Driscoll for her portrait. Originally from Malawi, Ellie came to Ireland in 2010 and has spent the last eight years living in Direct Provision.

In 2015 she co-founded Our Table, a pop up cafe that responded to the ban on asylum seekers cooking for themselves and to channel her passion for food.

The project continues to grow and operates a cafe and catering services in Dublin with 12 employees and 20 volunteers. Ellie campaigns tirelessly to improve the rights of asylum seekers in Ireland.

Montessori teacher, Nessa McNamara, had her portrait done by Philip Arneill. She’s been involved in childcare for over 30 years and passionately believes in active learning and exposing children to the arts.

Stories and drama are her great love. She is busy building her dream in Little Learners, a pre-school and after-school facility in Drumcondra that puts the children’s happiness and comfort at its heart.