Hands On highlights the importance of tactile art and media in the secondary school classroom. It investigates how teaching and learning should foster originality and creative integrity, at a time when arguably, emerging technologies threaten to undermine both.

The exhibition is not, however, about resisting technology, but instead, how it can be repositioned. Through ‘hands-on’ methods of making, the show explores the value of patience, dexterity and engagement with various media, allowing ideas to develop gradually, for pupils to slow down, think and feel.

The exhibition reflects the value of process and experimentation as supports for creativity and personal expression. 

The majority of work on display, is made by secondary students from various schools across Cork City and County, as well as Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. The art teachers that guided making and learning, are the 2026 graduating students from the Professional Master of Education (Art & Design) programme at MTU CCAD. This exhibition also includes work by these student teachers and is a testament to their strengthening confidence as art teachers of the future.

The PME (Art & Design) Programme is offered jointly by MTU Crawford College of Art & Design and UCC School of Education. It is a two-year, full-time Level 9 postgraduate professional teacher education programme, that leads to a professional qualification as post-primary teacher of Art and Design. It is recognised and accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland, for the purpose of registration as a post-primary teacher of Art and Design in Ireland and abroad.