MART’S ‘Invite or Reject’ refers to the duality of understanding and miscommunication that exists within Irish Emigration. It was common for the Irish to be rejected and treated as second-class citizens for the early part of 19th century. This Irish diaspora flocked to America for a better life away from famine, war and hardship, to help build a better America for today. In spite of over 37 million Irish Americans living today, the current political and social climate in America and Ireland, leaves it difficult to gain a working visa, leaving America more of a holiday destination for the Irish in stark contrast to its history.

MART is an Irish Visual Artist organisation. Our primary aim is to create a platform for New Media, Installation, Experimental Film, and Performance artists to showcase their work. MART was founded on an inclusive ethos, to inspire a curiosity for knowledge, to bring contemporary art to the forefront of culture by actively engaging people from all sectors of society in both its viewing and production.

‘Invite or Reject’ opens in C4 Contemporary Art in Los Angeles as part of Imagine Ireland;
an initiative by Culture Ireland.