Event
Date
29 - 31 May 2025
Time
Various
Location
Mayfield and Knocknaheeny, Cork City
Price
Free to attend
ROAM Cork will launch on 29 May, an arts exhibition and temporary trail between Mayfield and Knocknaheeny. Since mid-February older people’s groups and schools have worked with six Cork artists to map and re-imagine their surroundings.
ROAM forms part of Cork City Council’s Creative Health and Wellbeing in the Community initiative supported by the Creative Ireland Programme and delivered in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation.
Poems, paintings, works in clay and cardboard are the fragile materials making up two temporary exhibitions at locations in Mayfield Library and The Canteen, Knocknaheeny. Posters, bunting, performances and games will connect the space between the two communities.
Through new maps of familiar places, the groups have attempted to share where their imaginations and external worlds meet. The disparity in age groups has resulted in memories of old songs sitting alongside wild daydreams about the future, with all giving considerate reflection on the present.
Events and activities will take place between 29 – 31 May and all are free.
Thursday 29 May – Launches
See the origins of ROAM, meet the makers, explore the art of place.
Mayfield Library, 11am to 1pm
The Canteen, Knocknaheeny, 3pm to 5pm
If you would like to attend either or both of the launch events please RSVP to louise_tangney@corkcity.ie
Friday 30 May – Exchanges
A day for communities to travel to each other, see the origins of ROAM, meet the makers. Roam from Knocknaheeny to Mayfield, from Mayfield to Knocknaheeny.
Mayfield Library, 11am to 4pm
The Canteen, Knocknaheeny, 11am to 4pm
Saturday 31 May – Encounters
A day for families and friends, with workshops and music. See the origins of ROAM, meet the makers. Roam from Knocknaheeny to Mayfield, from Mayfield to Knocknaheeny.
Mayfield Sports Centre, 11am to 4pm
The Canteen, Knocknaheeny, 11am to 4pm
Full details of the exhibitions, encounters, trails and overall project can be found at www.RoamCork.ie
ROAM Cork
About the Project
ROAM is a creative programme designed to support wellbeing and social connection in Cork City. Developed by Cork City Council and Irish Hospice Foundation through the Creative Ireland Programme, ROAM is part of a wider Creative Communities Initiative within Sláintecare Healthy Communities.
The project responds to some of the lasting impacts of the pandemic, particularly for those who have experienced isolation, loss, or disruption to social connections or key life moments. Through music, art, and shared creative experiences, ROAM provides opportunities for people to reconnect, explore, and celebrate their communities.
A panel of seven local artists has been specially trained in creative approaches to grief and loss, equipping them to lead workshops, performances, and exhibitions in schools and community spaces. Children and older people are at the heart of these activities, rediscovering their neighbourhoods and sparking intergenerational conversations and connections.
Artist Team
Julie Forrester, Grace Haynes, Jennifer Horgan, Amy McNamara, Clara Scullion and Rachel Lartey, with contributions from Tommy Lysaght and co-ordination by Ella Daly.
Participating Groups
Friendly Call Programme, HSE Community Health teams, Hollyhill Library, Mayfield Library, Knocknaheeny Senior Citizens Group, Mayfield Arts Centre, Music Generation Cork City, Musical Neighbourhoods, St Mary’s on the Hill, St Patrick’s Girls NS, St Joseph’s Mayfield, The Canteen, The Kabin Studios.
ROAM Cork is funded through Creative Ireland’s Creative Health and Wellbeing in the Community programme and is guided by a collaborative, interagency steering group.
