Art classes bringing different cultures of Tuam together

A NEW art class is helping bring the different cultures living in Tuam together, with their work set to go display later this week.

The Harmony in Diversity Project brought participants together every Monday at Brú Bhríde Community Centre for ten weeks of ceramics and printmaking workshops.

Facilitated by artist Martina Passman, the project developed student’s artistic skills while celebrating participants’ cultural backgrounds, traditions and identities.

“I believe there is at least 40 different nationalities living in Tuam and we brought 15 of them here together to learn more about art and socialise with each other,” Martina told The Tuam Herald.

“It started as just an idea I had a few years ago, why not use art to bring people together. I finally applied for funding through the Arts Council and once I got it, I pushed forward with the project, which has been a great success.”

Bringing cultures together

Participants came from various countries, among them India, Syria, Jordan and Ukraine. They were given the opportunity to explore clay construction, decorative surface design and various forms of printmaking.

Each person added something unique to their culture within their art, while individual prints were also combined to cover a sculptural cube, reflecting the group’s diversity and the strength of working together.

However, the project was just as much about providing an outlet for socialising. For 42-year-old Ukrainian Eugene Prykhodkin, who has been living with his wife and 11-year-old daughter in Tuam since Nov 2025, getting involved with Harmony in Diversity was a no brainer.

“I was an artist and designer myself, that was my background in Ukraine, so I wanted to do something that would be creative but still let me socialise. A chance to forget about the hectic changes that had happened in my life,” he explained.

“I went to the first class, to try to get a feel for the project. It was exactly what I was looking for, a place to be creative, relax and socialise.

“I found the whole experience to be very interesting. It was my first time connecting with different cultures, which was very enjoyable, as was telling others about my homeland in Ukraine. It was also hugely helpful in trying to integrate into life in Tuam, feel more a part of the community.”

Improving conversation skills

While the classes largely focused on giving participants a chance to have some fun through working on their art, it also had an added educational element. They became the perfect opportunity for the artists to work on improving their English skills.

The levels of English differed. Some were close to fluent, others were OK at speaking English, while some only had a basic phrases. But through their fellow classmates, they had a fun way of practicing their conversation skills away from the pressures of everyday life.

“When you learn English as a second language in your home country, you might think your English is good, but it is so different using it in country where it is actually spoken,” added Eugene.

“The classes have been hugely helpful, as so many people are in the same situation, all trying to improve our conversation skills. It made it easier for us all to get some practice in a relaxing setting.”

After ten classes, the artwork created by everyone involved with the Harmony in Diversity Project will go on public display in Tuam Library later this week.

Visitors can expect to see ceramic maps of the artists home countries and national flags, ornamental clay tealight houses inspired by artists cultural traditions and printed self-portraits.

The exhibition will be officially opened this Friday November 6 at 1pm by Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Andrew Reddington, with everyone welcome to attend.

“I think it is important that people in Tuam break down the barriers they might have with these new people from other countries,” noted Martina.

“Projects like this help them to see they are just human beings, who are looking to earn a living, set up a life for themselves in the town, just like everyone else in Tuam. I’m hoping loads will come out to see our new exhibition in the library and meet these people,” she concluded.