Artist profile
Debora Naomi Adachi
Debora Adachi is an illustrator, children’s author, and art facilitator with a background in Architecture and Urbanism. She also has experience working in the animation industry as a background artist. She is Brazilian of Japanese heritage and is currently based in Dublin, Ireland.
She was recognised as a Highly Commended Illustration Winner for the FAB Prize 22. She is a mentee in Pathways Into Children’s Publishing 2022-2024 programme. In 2023, she was selected to participate in Harper Collins’ Author Academy for children’s writing. Additionally, she serves as the Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Ireland and is part of DesignOpp, a not-for-profit initiative that champions diversity in Irish design.
More about the artist
In June 2023, she completed her residency with Mother Tongues at Rua Red. From August 2023 to February 2024, she was one of the artists in Weft Studio, an initiative from the Dublin Fringe Festival. She’s also part of the artist’s panel of TAP (teacher-artist partnership) of Kildare Education Centre.
Here’s what Debora had to say about being a Vital Spark Relationship programme artist “I am thrilled about the opportunity to join Vital Spark. I hold a deep respect for children’s authentic voices and experiences, and I hope to leverage my artistic skills to translate these experiences into my stories. I am excited to have the opportunity to attend performances, reflect on them, and meet with talented professionals to exchange ideas and experiences. I am hopeful that this opportunity will allow me to come up with new and innovative ideas and share them with others who are also passionate about creating performances for children. Being part of this community will undoubtedly broaden my skillset and deepen my understanding of the art form.”
Debora believes that art can be used as a tool to build connections, fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth. She enjoys creating art for children and exposing them to diverse perspectives, hoping to cultivate empathy towards what is often perceived as “different.” With her practice, she aims to reflect the plurality of the world we live in.
”I am thrilled about the opportunity to join Vital Spark. I hold a deep respect for children's authentic voices and experiences, and I hope to leverage my artistic skills to translate these experiences into my stories... Being part of this community will undoubtedly broaden my skillset and deepen my understanding of the art form.
Debora Naomi AdachiRelationship Programme Artist
The Vital Spark behind everything we do
We believe that all children should be able to experience arts and culture, and that they should be able to see themselves represented in these experiences. This is not yet the case for every child and we’re committed to changing that.
Our response is Vital Spark, and it's at the heart of everything we do. Vital Spark is about challenging and changing the lack of diversity in children’s arts and culture; it’s about diverse-led artistic decision making; it’s about not being afraid to stand up for what’s right.
We do this by supporting artists who are currently underrepresented in children’s arts and culture. We also work with partner organisations to create world-class opportunities for these artists and share best practice.
