Take Me to the River is a creative discursive public engagement programme and exhibition exploring the preservation and shared custodianship of our waterways, immersing our communities in the life of our rivers through a collaborative curation of visual and sensory responses to our local waterways in Meath.
Take Me to the River intertwines intimate public responses with communal ecological activism and participation, and in turn, returns our gaze to our natural surroundings along the Nanny and Boyne rivers, Co. Meath.
Exploring biodiversity, water quality, and climate change in addition to our cultural, holistic, and economic connection to our rivers, over the course of 2024, Solstice Arts Centre, Swift Cultural Centre and architectural practice Cineál: Research + Design, presented a series of community engagement gatherings, workshops and exhibition.
Encouraging active public participation and awareness of our local waterways through creative ‘Catchment Mapping’, artists, environmental specialists and the public journeyed beside, within, and above three locations on the Nanny and Boyne rivers. At each site participants contributed to a ‘skeletal’ map using sketch, notation, rubbings and pressings to capture layers of biodiversity, atmospheres, weather and sensory elements not otherwise realised in cartographic maps. Using photography, film, print, sculpture, drawing, sound recording, mapping, creative writing, ecological learning and artistic activities, the workshops included:
The River Nanny: Water, Soil + Sculpture at Staffordstown House & Farm
Following the Nanny through surrounding farmland, artist, landowners and Inland Fisheries expert engaged participants in print and sculpture using riverbed clay, kick-sampling and microscopic exploration of river life while hearing the unique perspective and understanding of a sustainable cohabitation of nature and agriculture.
I now have a new appreciation of our rivers and how we can monitor their diversity. The art techniques were so exciting and enjoyable, especially seeing the experiment directly in the river itself.
Never worked with clay before, it was very grounding and connected you with the earth.
The Boyne Ramparts Dusk Walk: Ecology, Sound & Written Word
Tuning in to the sights and sounds of this urban amenity, artists, experts and participants considered our responsibility to place through listening and field-recording exercises, drawing, writing and spoken word. Identifying birds living and migrating to this stretch of water, sharing collective stories and poetry, learning Irish names of our flora and fauna, these experiences were mapped and recorded along a 2km stretch of this bountiful watercourse.
The energy was so good, slowing down and listening to the different sounds of the river, different birds and other aspects of nature.
It really opened my eyes to the impact we are having on bird life next to our rivers. There was a lovely selection of activities along the way, which really helped us connect to the river personally and engage us with the local ecology on a sensory level.
Follow Sights & Sounds link below to listen to actor, writer and workshop facilitator Grace Collender reading participants’ written responses to their Ramparts River walk.
The River Boyne - Above, Along, Within at Swifts Wave, Trim
Guided by artists and ecologist, participants used a series of photographic processes, print, underwater camera and drone footage to study the river’s ecology from beneath the surface and above. These multiple perspectives explored the human impact on surrounding natural habitats, fish stocks and birdlife of the Boyne located on the edge of the heritage town of Trim.
Very unusual experience and really enjoyed doing something so different while hearing the positive, non-invasive ways in which drones can be used in the documentation and preservation of rivers across the world.
The communal drawing map brought the group together, with the sharing of thoughts & knowledge (and some laughter).
Take Me to the River exhibition at Swift Cultural Centre Trim in October 2024 provided a creative space for continued public discussion on the preservation and enjoyment of our waterways. The exhibition immersed visitors in the life of our rivers through ‘Creative Catchment Maps’, a drone film and VR viewing of underwater and aerial footage, collaborative curation of participants artworks and observations from the 2024 summer events. The exhibition also included a learning and engagement programme for schools, families and the wider community.
Take Me to the River is continuing into 2025-26. We invite environmental activists, ecologists, landowners, educators, artists, families, individuals, schools, community groups and others to take part. If you wish to be involved, please contact Deirdre at Deirdre.rogers@solsticeartscentre.ie for more information.
Supported by
Creative Ireland, the Arts Council, Meath County Council, Local Authority Waters Programme, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and Birdwatch Ireland Meath.
