Photo exhibition ‘Muintir’ to celebrate diversity in Limerick’s higher education institutions

Part of the ‘Muintir’ exhibition, Nikhitha, a designer from Hyderabad, India is currently pursuing an MSc in UI/UX Design, University of Limerick. She is wearing a traditional Telugu outfit consisting of a pink voni and yellow lehenga, symbolising happiness and prosperity. Photo: Shane Serrano

The ‘Muintir’ exhibition which celebrates the thriving international student community who chose to study in Limerick will be launched this Tuesday, March 7

The Diversity Photo Exhibition: ‘Muintir’ will be launched this Tuesday and is part of a collaboration between University of Limerick, Technological University of the Shannon and Mary Immaculate College.

The ‘Muintir’ exhibition is part of a three-day Spring Global Festival and celebrates the diversity present in the three institutions.

It was curated by Alli McNamara of UL Global to celebrate the international student community in Limerick which numbers 4,000 students from over 100 countries coming to study in Limerick every year.

International students were invited to dress in traditional clothing or something that represents their country or culture and were photographed by award winning photographer Shane Serrano in locations around Limerick city and county.

Photographer Shane Serrano said: “I have been working with the University of Limerick and UL Global for many years, and I’ve always loved getting to meet people from all over the globe and learn something new about them and their culture every day. This has been a project idea that we’ve been hoping to do for quite some time, and it’s not only great to finally see it come to fruition but also to collaborate with all the other colleges, be exhibited to the public, and stand out in such vibrant colours when printed in large scale.”

Each academic year international students generate an economic boost of over €48 million for the Shannon region. The figure of €48 million is based on student spending estimates of €1,315 per month, which includes accommodation, food, social activities, shopping, and transport and does not include tuition fees paid to the higher education institutions in Limerick.

‘Muintir’: A Celebration of Diversity in Limerick

To celebrate the many cultures in our Limerick community the @UL , @TUS_Intnl & @MICLimerick have collaborated on ‘Muintir’: A Celebration of Diversity in Limerick. pic.twitter.com/QZCBKbih9S— UL Global (@ULGlobal) March 1, 2023

“International students create important cultural and economic links between Limerick and the world. The international students in Limerick today are tomorrow’s leaders and they will engage with the Shannon Region in tourism, business, and investment,” said Josephine Page, director, UL Global.

“In addition to the current and future economic benefits international students bring to our region, their presence greatly adds to the cultural and ethnic diversity of Limerick, enriching us all,” noted Professor Nigel Healey, the Vice President Global and Community Engagement at the University of Limerick. “As our City’s branding encapsulates – Atlantic Edge, European Embrace – Limerick has become a global city, welcoming students to our three great higher education institutions from across the world,” he added.

The exhibition will be launched by Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Councillor Francis Foley, Professor Nigel Healey, Professor Vincent Cunnane, President Technological University of the Shannon, and Professor Eugene Wall, President of Mary Immaculate College, this Tuesday at 6.30pm at TUS Limerick School of Art and Design, Clare Street.

‘Muintir’, which has a wide range of meanings, including family, household, community, kin, will run from March 7-18 at TUS Limerick School of Art and Design, Clare Street.

The Spring Global Festival takes place from March 7-9 and is a collaboration between UL, MIC and TUS. It features international music and dance, film, and photo exhibits representing and celebrating many different countries and cultures.

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