Portlaoise exhibition blends art and climate action

A new unique exhibition that blends art and climate action will run at Portlaoise library throughout June. 

The exhibition 'Picture Our Future' is an interactive experience designed for public participation. It is open to the public from Friday, June 7 and is free. 

Laois County Council, in partnership with Ireland’s Knowledge Centre for Carbon, Climate, and Community Action (IKC3), recently concluded a ground breaking course titled Systems Innovation for Sustainable Enterprises and Communities (SISEC). This course, focused on the Portlaoise Low Carbon Town Project, bringing together participants from various organizations and businesses across Laois over three months. 

The course empowered local participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to address sustainability challenges within their communities. It taught how to apply ‘systems thinking’ to tackle local climate change issues collaboratively and for the long term.

Throughout the course, artist Oisin McGann employed a technique called graphic recording to create a unique visual record of the participants' learning journey. This process inspired a new set of illustrations by Oisin, exploring climate challenges and forming a major part of the Picture Our Future exhibition.

Oisin collaborated with fellow artists Laura Dunne and Aisling Brennan to creatively interpret the achievements and future plans for the Portlaoise Low Carbon Town Project. The resulting Picture Our Future exhibition invites visitors to explore Laois climate action through a series of illustrations by Oisin and informative pieces by Aisling, all showcased in the heart of Portlaoise Library. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Photo: Artists Aisling Brennan and Laura Dunne at the installation of the Picture Our Future exhibition in Portlaoise Library. Picture: Alf Harvey.

In addition to the exhibition, there will be free, interactive workshops for all age groups. These workshops will guide visitors through climate actions—big or small—that they are passionate about, using ‘systems thinking’. Another workshop focus will be on capturing complex ideas in a simple, visual, and engaging manner. 

To book a workshop space, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n7jwwks or emailportlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie or call 057 86 22333.

Bernie Foran County Librarian and Creative Ireland Coordinator commented: "Creative Ireland Laois are delighted to support the Picture Our Future Exhibition and workshops. Exploring how the arts can be used to promote dialogue and action around Climate Change in ways that are provocative and engaging is an essential part of this transformational process.”

Suzanne Dempsey Climate Action Coordinator Laois County Council, added: "By integrating art and systems thinking, we can make complex climate challenges more accessible and relatable. This approach fosters greater community involvement and drives meaningful positive change."

Laura Dunne, Artistic Director, shared: "Collaborating on this project has been a rewarding experience. The illustrations and workshops are designed to inspire and empower individuals to take actionable steps toward a sustainable future."