‘Where do we all belong?’ is a socially-engaged visual art project addressing loneliness in Co. Sligo, Ireland. We connected with director Ronan Dillon to understand a little bit more about this important project. To find out more, please visit the project website.

Please tell us about your art project ‘Where do we all belong?’ and the research component that has gone into this project.

“Where do we all belong? is a socially engaged visual art project that explores the theme of loneliness in Co. Sligo. The title of the project is inspired by the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby ‘all the lonely people, where do they all belong?’. The project is structured in three phases: research, development, and exhibition.

In the research phase, we engaged directly with communities in rural Sligo using a mobile consultation vehicle — echoing how fish vans or mobile libraries traditionally serve isolated areas. We collected anonymous notes, reflections, and anecdotes from people about their experiences with loneliness. It was a uniquely heart-warming and heart-breaking week of surveying and we were delighted about how open and interested the public were about engaging with the project. Each day we heard emotional and touching stories, for example a lady told us about a woman she knew who posted a letter to herself so the postman would visit. Another lady told us the smell of roses is helpful in alleviating feelings of loneliness . The research stage was not just data gathering but an artistic and participatory act, the conversations that this project creates is as much a part of the artwork as any physical artworks.

We are currently in the development phase, we absorbed all the feedback and began to formulate ideas about how best to create visual outcomes that are appropriate and sensitive to the information gathered These text based artworks will appear around Co. Sligo. 

The process and outputs will be documented through film and photography, and ultimately presented in a public exhibition along with visual artworks at Abhainn Studio in Enniscrone. Following the exhibition we will publish a book and update the website to preserve and share the collected stories for long-term engagement. The opening will be on October 17th at Abhainn Studio in Enniscrone.”

What have you learned about loneliness from the communities that you have interviewed in Sligo?

“From our survey (236 respondents, of whom 78% live in Sligo), the most common answer for every question was “Sometimes”, suggesting loneliness is not constant but recurring. After reading all the personal notes and thoughts about loneliness it was striking how broad the demographic loneliness affects. We received messages from people living in cities and people living in isolated areas that felt lonely. Single people as well as married people. Young and old. A big learning was that people were genuinely glad to be asked if they were lonely. One man noted “I’m 66 years old and no one has ever asked me if I am lonely”

• Very few respondents (2%) reported “Never” experiencing any aspect of loneliness. 
• Lack of Companionship: Nearly 60% of Sligo residents “sometimes” feel they lack companionship, with only 10% never experiencing this feeling. 
• Over half (52%) sometimes feel that people are around them but not truly “with” them, indicating a disconnect between physical and emotional presence.
• Nearly half (49%) sometimes feel left out.”

What kinds of programs or initiatives do you think we need to address loneliness in Ireland? Or, specifically, in Sligo?

“The insights point towards three directions for action:

Creative, community-based initiatives: Projects like Where do we all belong? show that art can provide a safe, inclusive space for people to share experiences and see them reflected back in unique and meaningful ways. Expanding arts-led, participatory programs can foster belonging while reducing stigma around loneliness.

Intergenerational activities: As highlighted in the Sligo Age Friendly Strategy (2023–2026), older people often feel marginalised and excluded from consultation. Bringing together young and old through workshops, storytelling, and cultural events can build bridges across generations and combat isolation for both groups.

Mobile and outreach models: The research vehicle concept reflects how rural services already function in Sligo. Extending this model to social connection — through mobile arts, cultural, or wellness programs — could reach those who are unable to attend town-centre events. And we hope we can tour our exhibition with this in mind.”