In 2004 Fiona entered into a collaborative process with Rialto Youth Project. studio 468 allowed her to bring her practice as a painter and her experience in educative and facilitation roles together. Following this initial phase of work, Fiona developed a long term collaborative relationship with Rialto Youth Project, supported by Common Ground, working alongside youth workers and young people to develop and produce work. From 2004, she worked closely with Rialto Youth Project, on a series of durational projects with young people and adults, co-producing multiple public works including the What Does He Need? From 2007 they focused on a three year project entitled What’s the Story?

Fiona Whelan studied Fine Art at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Community Arts Education there in 2003. Fiona later completed the MA Art in Public at the University of Ulster, Belfast.