Limerick's Blindboy Boatclub inspires LSAD graduates at annual showcase
During his speech, the LSAD alumnus reminded the graduates of the power of their artistic presence.
LIMERICK musician Blindboy Boatclub featured as a guest speaker at this year's annual TUS Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) Graduate Show.
Addressing the students – along with their friends and families - at the official Graduate Showcase launch, the LSAD alumnus reminded the graduates of the power of their artistic presence.
"Because of the history of this particular site, all acts of creativity performed in this building are revolutionary. You're bringing passion, love, playfulness and creativity back into a site where there has been nothing but misery", the podcaster explained.
Speaking on his personal experience, the author shared how he was "really, really unhappy" throughout his school years- something that quickly changed upon beginning his studies in LSAD.
"When I came here... you don’t have to wear a uniform, you don’t have to turn up on time. You can do whatever you want. There’s a garden outside. I could be as autistic as I wanted, and I flourished. So, thank you, LSAD.”
With over a thousand visitors welcomed throughout the day, a highly anticipated part of this year’s show was an exclusive exhibition titled 'Future Perfect / An Fháistineach Fhoirfe', curated by the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).
Another major highlight of the event was the announcement of the 2026 Global Travel Award, which was presented to Isac Kossivi, known professionally as Kodjo.
Aiming to support artists in international travel and research, the prestigious €5,000 award will enable Kodjo to travel to Ghana to work with internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama.
The Showcase highlighted the full scope of the university's creative output, including final-year exhibitions from graduates at both the Clonmel and Athlone campuses.
Reflecting on the overwhelming public response, Dean of LSAD, Professor Anthony Caleshu, praised the atmosphere and community engagement, attributing the event’s success to "the hard work of our students and staff.”
"Creating a space that shows the community and the wider public that the historic grounds of LSAD are here to be explored was deeply important to us. It is a shared environment to be celebrated and enjoyed by the city and region —and it gives everyone a chance to experience these important next generation artists, designers and creative and digital media makers.”