About the member

Julie Forrester is a visual artist and creative producer, whose practice prioritises process-based approaches often working collaboratively and ‘in context’. Forrester’s work is characterised by an enquiry into narrative forms arising from connection with place and shared experience.  JF’s practice employs process-based approaches arising from connections with place, memory and shared experience. 

Recent work focuses on urban ecologies and climate awareness. Her collaborative work explores the sense of belonging which arises out of a relationship with place, subtly embracing themes of advocacy and inclusion. Recent projects include an intergenerational project Stories from The Elders of The Blackwater Catchment (2024-25) and the multidisciplinary arts participation and site-specific Art Project, Gleann a’Phúca (2021-25) in the Glen.  

With a long career as artist in community, health and education contexts, JF is a panelist with numerous arts organisations, including The Crawford Art Gallery, where she delivers programmes in response to artworks and exhibitions. As a member of the Gallery’s Learn & Explore team Forrester leads outreach programme, Follow your Nose in partnership with Cork Migrant Centre among other community engagments. JF is a panelist with Cork County Council’s Arts Office, where she has delivered programmes for projects such as Make or Break (with Sample-Studios), The Frameworks Programme, Cruinniu na nÓg, Bealtaine Lifelong learning and the Arts & Health Social Prescribing Programme. She also works with Creative Ireland’s TAP and BLAST programmes in schools. JF is a long-time associate artist with Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership, and has collaborated with children and teachers on residencies across Ireland, projects include: Virtually There, Trading Places, and Multimedia Maps. She is a member of The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s Education panel and the Arts Council’s Artists in Prison Scheme. She was one of seven artists who devised and delivered the ROAM project with young people and elders on Cork’s Northside. She has a regular creative commitment with young Travellers at the Mayfield Youth Café. 

While a member of Backwater Artist’s Group JF worked for many years with the Art Trail Festival, she was co-Curator and Production Manager for Cork’s Soundworks Festival in 2004 and held the position of Artistic Director of the Art Trail Festival from 2006- 2008. She served a 4 year term on the Board of Directors and held the position of Chairperson.