A special exhibition celebrating the strength and resilience of women fundamental to the peace process in Northern Ireland has opened at Cardiff University.
The touring Peace Heroines Exhibition features digital reproductions of striking portraits of nine peace activists, which were originally created by leading Irish contemporary visual artist FRIZ . The portraits were first commissioned by multi-disciplinary platform, Herstory , to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in 2023.
Organised by the GW4 Island of Ireland Contemporary History and Politics Network in collaboration with Cardiff University and the Consulate General of Ireland, Cardiff, the works are on display at the Viriamu Jones (VJ) Gallery, Main Building, until April 11.
The featured activists; Pat Hume, Bronagh Hinds, Eileen Weir, Susan McRory, Saidie Patterson, Monica McWilliams, Pearl Sagar, Anne Carr and Baroness May Blood, were all chosen to highlight their invaluable contribution and firm commitment to the Northern Ireland peace process, in a variety of roles, across community and government.
Consul General of Ireland, Denise McQuade, said: "These unique artworks by FRIZ recognise the Peace Heroines for their firm commitment to the Northern Ireland peace process. As well as capturing the unmistakable strength and resilience of these women, the portraits highlight the contribution of women from all walks of life in Northern Ireland to peace, cross-community dialogue and reconciliation."
The official arrival of the exhibition was marked with a launch which included talks by Peace Heroines Bronagh Hinds and Eileen Weir.
Eileen joined the Ulster Defence Association at 16 but left after questioning its objectives, dedicating over 20 years to trade unionism and campaigning for women's and community rights; she now works as a community relations worker at the Shankill Women's Centre in Belfast.
Bronagh co-founded the Northern Ireland Women's Rights Movement in 1975 and later the Northern Ireland Women's European Platform. In 1996, she co-founded the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition, serving as chief strategist, managing its election to the peace talks, and acting as a senior advisor and negotiator of the Good Friday Agreement.
Dr Thomas Leahy is Senior Lecturer in British and Irish Politics and Contemporary History at Cardiff University's School of Law and Politics, and Principal Investigator of the GW4 Island of Ireland Contemporary History and Politics Network.
He said: "It's vital for our GW4 Network to help showcase, in England and Wales, key moments of the conflict, peace process and politics on the island of Ireland. Having the opportunity to represent the views and experiences of key women involved in the peace process is absolutely essential to societal understanding of all aspects of the conflict and peace process."
The GW4 Island of Ireland Contemporary History and Politics Network brings together academics and researchers from the GW4 universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter to explore a range of themes in Irish and Northern Irish contemporary history and politics.
The Peace Heroines Exhibition by FRIZ is open to all, and free to attend. It will be on display until April 11, from 9am – 6pm at the Viriamu Jones (VJ) Gallery, Main Building, Cardiff University, CF10 3AT.
