DUBLIN.- The new season of Studio 8 kicks off on Saturday 6 March with Irish artist Claire Halpin and Studio 8 Coordinator, Lynn McGrane, with a workshop that explores the IMMA Collection exhibition What happens next is a secret. This experimental exhibition examines notions of collection and curation, in response Studio 8 participants will develop ideas in the studio, working on creative concepts and making working drawings. They will discuss various aspects of curation, such as how the placing and context of an art work can alter the pacing, narrative and perception of exhibitions, and also look at a range of materials and artforms during this exploratory workshop.

Studio 8 is a free drop-in space for young people, aged 15-18 years old, at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. It is an easy-going, informal space for young people of varied interests and all levels of creative experience. A place for young people to meet and explore the Museum and join in on activities linked to IMMA’s exhibitions. Young people can drop in anytime from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Saturdays from 6 March to 24 April 2010 (excluding Saturday 3 April, Easter weekend). Studio 8 is an opportunity for young people to connect with all that’s happening at IMMA and to really get to know the Museum.

Activities running from Studio 8 include tours of exhibitions , talks and discussions, art making in different forms and media, sessions on curating, visits to IMMA’s Artists’ Residency Programme and more. All activities are free, with basic materials provided, and are facilitated by artists and Mediators (IMMA’s gallery staff). No booking is required and it is not necessary to attend every week.