Pictured at TELUS International Ireland’s Art Brings Us Together workshop at the School of the Divine Child, Ballintemple are (back row l-r) Brían Crotty, Director of Macroom School of Art, Miriam Manning, HR Director at TELUS International Ireland, Fiona Thomas, Principal of the School of the Divine Child, Ciara Hourihan, Deputy Principal of the School of the Divine Child and Will Sliney, Programme Ambassador; with pupils from the School of the Divine Child, (l-r) Siobhán Guerin, Scarlett Beecher, Sarah Dorney and Jodie Lynch. Image: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO

• Art to be showcased on commuter promotional spaces in Cork and Dublin in the coming weeks

TELUS International Ireland, a digital customer experience (CX) innovator that designs, builds and delivers next-gen solutions, including AI and content moderation, has partnered with Macroom School of Art on a unique art initiative – Art Brings Us Together by TELUS International, bringing creative workshops to children and young people with physical and intellectual disabilities. The aim of the initiative is to enhance creativity and opportunities for the children and young people taking part, through art. Creative workshops are being delivered by tutors of Macroom School of Art, supported by TELUS International Ireland team volunteers, in 14 schools in Cork and Dublin.

Launched in November 2022, the programme was created to encourage artistic expression in children and young people with physical or intellectual disabilities. These sessions provide an engaging environment for young art enthusiasts to produce their own bespoke pieces of art, demonstrating its many positive impacts and benefits.

Commenting on the initiative, Director of Human Resources at TELUS International Ireland, Miriam Manning says:

“At TELUS International, it’s in our nature to care and to give back to our local communities. Collaborating with Macroom School of Art on this inclusive project has been the perfect partnership. They do an incredible job in providing courses for all ages and abilities, granting the local community access to creative facilities that enable expression, engagement and exploration; working to enrich the local community by increasing awareness of the value and inclusivity of the arts.”

When asked about the programme, renowned Irish illustrator, Will Sliney, who is also its Ambassador said:

“It has been such an enjoyable experience getting to work with these incredible schools and young artists. Many people don’t realise the effect these workshops have on young people with a disability; creative art therapies for children with additional needs have numerous benefits and can stimulate new behaviours, skills, expressions and emotions that can then be applied to everyday life. Art is obviously a huge passion of mine and being able to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of these young people has been particularly rewarding.”

Principal of School of the Divine Child, Lavanagh Centre, Fiona Thomas says:

“The students have thoroughly enjoyed the process. For people with learning disabilities, art therapy offers an opportunity for self-expression. Art can be a way to communicate for people who find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. It offers a creative and enjoyable way to communicate without restrictions, without worries of being judged as there is no such thing as failing when you create art. This process gives them a sense of accomplishment and builds their self-confidence.”

Brían Crotty, Director of Macroom School of Art says:

“Art Brings Us Together is a wonderful opportunity to witness the creativity and individuality of all participants. It is so exciting to play a small part in discovering and nurturing the creative talents of others in such an important community.”

The programme covers a range of artistic disciplines like painting, drawing, collage, projection art and diorama. All works will be showcased on dedicated ‘Art Brings Us Together by TELUS International’ social media channels and throughout March and April, a number of these artworks will be exhibited on commuter promotional spaces in Cork and Dublin’s city centres.

Instagram: @art_brings_us_together

Facebook: Art Brings Us Together by TELUS International

About TELUS International Ireland

TELUS International Ireland is a leading Irish-based provider of digitally-enabled customer experience (CX) and business process solutions, and is a key location in the TELUS International family. It has two CX and IT delivery centres strategically located in Dublin and Cork as well as a site in Ballina, Mayo providing AI data solutions to support many of the world’s top brands.

TELUS International Ireland is committed to promoting and celebrating diversity and inclusion within its team, company and the community where it lives, works and serves. This includes inclusive, high-impact volunteer days like TELUS Days of Giving.

About TELUS International

TELUS International (NYSE & TSX: TIXT) designs, builds and delivers next-generation digital solutions to enhance the customer experience (CX) for global and disruptive brands. The company’s services support the full lifecycle of its clients’ digital transformation journeys, enabling them to more quickly embrace next-generation digital technologies to deliver better business outcomes. TELUS International’s integrated solutions span digital strategy, innovation, consulting and design, IT lifecycle including managed solutions, intelligent automation and end-to-end AI data solutions including computer vision capabilities, as well as omnichannel CX and trust and safety solutions including content moderation. Fueling all stages of company growth, TELUS International partners with brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and travel and hospitality.

TELUS International’s unique caring culture promotes diversity and inclusivity through its policies, team member resource groups and workshops, and equal employment opportunity hiring practices across the regions where it operates. Since 2007, the company has positively impacted the lives of more than 1.2 million citizens around the world, building stronger communities and helping those in need through large-scale volunteer events and charitable giving. Five TELUS International Community Boards have provided $5.1 million in funding to grassroots charitable organizations since 2011. Learn more at: telusinternational.com.