Programme
The Sky is Falling!: Events Programme
As part of our exhibition The Sky is Falling!, Ormston House is hosting a series of free events encompassing talks, performances, and an all-ages workshop.
On 13 September from 7–9pm, we welcome ecologist and project manager Dr. John Carey of Corncrake LIFE to Ormston House. Corncrake LIFE is an EU-funded conservation project operating along the west coast of Ireland. They focus on community involvement towards the creation of suitable habitat for the corncrake. Carey will provide an overview of the project’s conservation work and the collaborations that make it possible.
On the same evening, Seoidín O’Sullivan will discuss her artwork, the Corncrake Dollar, exhibited as part of The Sky is Falling!. She will also offer insights into her research and work as an educator in critical ecologies, with a focus on NCAD FIELD, a unique outdoor classroom in inner-city Dublin.
On 14 September from 2–3pm, artist Scott Rogers leads a workshop titled Decoy Orchestra. This workshop will consist of different activities that imitate the appearance, behaviour, and sound of the corncrake. Using collage, drawing, and sound-making, participants will collectively create a flock of calling birds. The workshop is open to anyone aged 5+. No experience is required and all materials are provided. Please note that children must be supervised.
On 5 October from 7–9pm, we will host two performances by exhibiting artists Ceara Conway and Christopher Steenson.
Firstly, Steenson will launch his new publication via a performance-lecture. This publication, entitled Each one started, each one started, each one started,: A Reader for The Long Grass (2022–2024), acts as an accompanying document that contextualises and expands upon ideas explored in his slide projection–based artwork exhibited as part of The Sky is Falling!
Following this, Ceara Conway presents Incant, a live iteration of her new work Dátheangach alongside traditional folk songs exploring themes of language, loss, and the environment. For this performance, Conway will be joined by acclaimed musicians Matthew Nolan on electric guitar and synth and Kevin Murphy on cello.
Admission to all events is free. For any inquiries, please email info@ormstonhouse.com.
About The Sky is Falling!:
The Sky is Falling! is a group exhibition featuring contributions from Ceara Conway, Seoidín O’Sullivan, Scott Rogers, and Christopher Steenson. Featuring new and existing works, the exhibition is the culmination of several years of research into the corncrake, a species of bird approaching extinction in Ireland and the UK. Further information can be found here.
The Sky is Falling! is curated by Caimin Walsh and supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and Limerick Arts Office. The events programme is funded by Creative Ireland and Limerick City and County Council through Creative Climate Action funding.
