Youth Lab: Arbitrary Nations

A free drop-in workshop in our Education Studio.

Facilitated by artist Asbestos in collaboration with members of the National Gallery of Ireland Youth Panel, this open creative workshop invites participants of all ages and abilities to explore the themes of identity, borders and belonging through the lens of the Arbitrary Nations installation. 

Inspired by the visual language and symbolism of flags, participants will learn about flag-making traditions and design their own small-scale flag representing an “arbitrary nation” of their choosing. Through discussion, creativity and collective making, the workshop encourages audiences to reflect on the question: What arbitrary nation do you belong to?

Asbestos is a contemporary artist whose multidisciplinary practice engages critically with urgent social and political issues through installation, text, performance and participatory methods.

ACCESS INFORMATION: The Education Studio is on level 1 of the Gallery and is fully accessible by lift from the Clare Street entrance. It is at the same level as the Merrion Square entrance. Toilets, accessible toilets, baby changing, and a Changing Places facility are located near the Studio. Arbitrary Nations is an invigilated installation should you require assistance.