Project looks to reduce short car trips in Cork

A new project, aimed at reducing the number of short car journeys taken in Cork, has been awarded €750,000.

The Cultureways Project will explore how to creatively influence everyday travel habits and support climate action, by working closely with three suburban communities that share the common challenge of a high concentration of short everyday journeys under 2km.

A dedicated ‘Cultureway’ will be developed within each community, which will be selected during the early stages of the project, with the aim of providing a dedicated space for a series of artistic commissions.

Commissioned artists will work with local people in community halls, sports clubs and shopping centres, using creative practice to explore everyday travel choices.

Funded through an allocation from the Creative Ireland Climate Action Fund, the three-year initiative is being delivered by Cork City Council in partnership with the Glucksman Gallery, Cork Midsummer Festival, Sapience, and the Sustainability Institute at University College Cork.

Project partner Sapience will test and measure the effect of different approaches throughout the lifetime of the project, while experts from UCC’s Sustainability Institute will provide technical support and guidance to the project and commissioned artists.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Damian Boylan, described the initiative as a “significant investment in Cork city”.

“Cultureways brings together creativity, community engagement and climate action in a way that reflects Cork at its best,” said Mr Boylan.

“Cultureways helps people re-examine their choices about how they move around our city and will help make Cork a healthier, cleaner, less congested connected and more vibrant city now and in the future.”

Chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, said securing funding for the project was a significant achievement for the city and reflected “the strength of the partnership behind Cultureways”.

“By bringing together expertise from the arts, research and local government sectors, this project will develop innovative approaches to climate action and sustainable mobility,” said Ms O’Sullivan.

Fiona Kearney, director of the Glucksman Gallery, said they are thrilled to be part of a project that will “pioneer creative and sustainable modes of travel across our city”.

Lorraine Maye, director of Cork Midsummer Festival, said the project is “an invitation to play, bringing artists and neighbourhoods together to reimagine everyday routes of connection”.