Between Land & Sea

SPRAOI harnessed artistic, community, scientific and media resources to raise awareness of the “in-between” coastal zone linking landscape and sea at the Cunnigar in Dungarvan. The project explored the ecological richness and vulnerability of this unique shoreline environment, encouraging people to look more closely at the relationship between land, water, biodiversity and climate. A central creative element of the project was The Seaweed Girl, a striking visual figure inspired by the marine life and seaweed ecosystems of the coast. Through this character and wider artistic engagement activities, the project invited the community to reimagine their connection with the shoreline and to reflect on the environmental importance of coastal habitats. By bringing together artists, scientists, local participants and media, the project fostered greater awareness, curiosity and conversation around the Cunnigar’s natural and cultural significance.

Creative

SPRAOI

This artistic project aims to stimulate public conversations that alters perceptions of and human actions towards this often forgotten zone of biodiversity.

Founded in 1993 Waterford Spraoi is a leader in Irish street arts and spectacle. For over thirty-years the company has delivered events of excellence throughout Ireland including: opening ceremony European Capital of Culture (Cork), Bram Stoker Festival (Dublin), opening ceremony World Fire and Police Games (Belfast). Operating from Ireland’s only purpose-built street arts studios’ complex, in Waterford City, Spraoi provides clients with one-stop-shop solutions to an array of inspirational spectacle events. Spraoi provides partners with creative design and event planning services: incorporating liaison with stakeholders including: artists, technicians, local communities, Gardai, local authorities and private sector business. Spraoi produces an annual international street arts festival in Waterford that showcases Irish artists to international markets and premieres work from around the world to Irish audiences. Spraoi has successfully created events with cross-sectoral partners including: SETU science promotion unit CALMAST, Waterford Council Economic Development unit, Tipperary County Council arts department and Cork City Council events unit. Spraoi Studios are used as a creation centre by artists throughout Ireland. The studios are managed, staffed and equipped to plan and deliver major creative projects.

Project Updates

Trip to Dungarvan

20 April 2024

Research Trip to Dungarvan

Initiating its climate action artwork project (‘24/’25) Spraoi artists and project stakeholders visited the coastline at Gaeltacht na Rinne on Dungarvan Bay.

It was an inspirational day in a beautiful location. We were guided by Marie Power, The Sea Gardener, and oyster farmers Michael Burke and Cliona Mhic Giolla Chuda of Meitheal Trá na Rinne https://waterfordoysters.com/

Go raibh maith agat Marie, Michael, agus Cliona as do chuid eolais agus grá do Chuan Dhún Garbhán a roinnt le Spraoi.

Seaweed Girl at Spraoi

In November ‘Seaweed Girl’ returned for seasonal visits to Christmas festivals in Waterford and Dungarvan.

These provided opportunities to reinforce her climate action messages of minimise gift wrapping and packaging and bring home a piece of plastic if strolling by the sea.

Also in November, Spraoi artists commenced workshops with young adults at Waterford Youth Reach. Together they produced a collection of marine themed etched tiles as part of the ‘Between Land and Sea’ environment awareness raising project. These were later added to ‘The Cube’ artwork, an immersive, eco-themed art installation that will be presented at Carrickpherish Library in April.