16 days of activism against gender based violence: Artistic residency with Irish artist Mick O’Dea

The Embassy of Ireland, Tanzania welcomed Irish artist, Mick O’Dea, as Artist in Residence for the month of November 2023.

This exciting programme aimed to promote Irish arts and culture, and contributes to the Embassy’s marking of 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.

While in Tanzania, Mick painted portraits of women activists from a variety of backgrounds including leaders in the women’s movement, Masaai leaders, young female activists and women working in creative spaces.

Mick met and shared experiences with Tanzanian artists during his residency, and conducted workshops with art students at the Bagamoyo College of Arts, Nafasi Art Space and Rangi Gallery.

Mick O’Dea's residency concluded with a live portraiture session at the Ambassador’s Residence on 28 November.

The sitter for the evening was Getrude Mongella, senior activist and the Secretary-General of the Fourth UN World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995.

The evening showcased the 14 portraits of Tanzanian women activists that Mick painted across the country.

This exciting initiative contributed to the Mission’s commemoration of 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.