Climate action project to launch in Cork city

A visionary new climate action arts project responding to the ecological, cultural, industrial and historical heritage of Cork’s Glen River Park will launch in the city tomorrow

The project aims to celebrate, protect and improve the water quality of the Glen River as it runs its course across the north side of the city. It is titled “Gleann a’ Phúca” as a reference to the fact the area was once known as ‘Glen of the Spooks’.

Initiated by Julie Forrester, a Cork-based multidisciplinary artist, and managed by Claire Ryan, the project is a collaboration with the Glen Resource Centre and The Local Authority Water Programme and seeks to raise environmental awareness by exploring the ecology of the valley through six artists’ projects over the course of a year.

Three years of planning went into the project, as well as combined funding of €56,500 provided by Cork City Council, the Local Authority Water programme, Local Creative Youth Partnership and Creative Climate Action Fund.

The event includes a talk and walk in the park with well-known Irish biologist, environmental consultant, author, broadcaster and educator, Éanna Ní Lamhna, the launch of the new expanded edition of The Glen River Hidden Valley Booklet, and a workshop led by Artistic Director of Gleann a’ Phúca, Julie Forrester, and Catherine Seale-Duggan of the Local Authority Water Programme.

The first two of these projects, Ordinary Gifts by visual artist Elinor Rivers, and Spoon and Bloom, by illustrators and animators Annie Mar and Aaron Ross, will commence production following the launch of the project.

Summarising the ambitious and visionary project, Julie Forrester said: “By acknowledging the role of the river in Cork's industrial and cultural heritage, Gleann a’ Phúca aims to promote a culture of reciprocity and advocacy for the river in the face of the accelerating Climate Climate Crisis. Gleann a’ Phúca has been in planning for three years now and we are ready to test the waters.”