A whole new way to stroll
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A City and A Garden will take place from 11-20 June. Photo: Clare Keogh Clare KeoghImage 2 of 6
Writer Lisa McInerney, a graduate of UCC, was one of the writers chosen for the project. Photo: Brid O’DonovanImage 3 of 6
Writer Gavin Corbett contributed to the Dublin portion of the project. Photo: Rich GilliganImage 4 of 6
Greg Dowling and Shane Johnson of Cork band ‘Fish Go Deep’ provided music for the project.Image 5 of 6
It will feature many artists like contemporary vocalist, composer and voice artist Dorothy Murphy.Image 6 of 6
Literary curator and editor of The Stinging Fly magazine, Danny Denton handpicked the writers for the project. Photo: Clare Keogh Clare KeoghThe line-up has been announced for a new state-of-the-art, sonic experience, combining story and song with the world around us.
From 11-20 June, A City and A Garden will take visitors on a journey of word and song through the heart of Cork city using smartphone technology. The project, which is also happening in Dublin, will feature voice artists and musicians Tolü Makay, Dorothy Murphy, Hilary Rose, Conor Lovett, Seán Mac Erlaine, Fish Go Deep and The Quiet Club. Shane Johnson of Cork act Fish Go Deep said: “Working on this unique project with such a talented group of people has been exciting and inspiring. It has allowed us to see and hear our home city in a totally different way and we can’t wait to share the experience with others.” Writers Lisa McInerney, Louise Hegarty, Melatu Okorie and Gavin Corbett were chosen for the project by literary curator and editor of The Stinging Fly magazine, Danny Denton. The project features two Cork routes, one going from the North Mall to Bells Field, and the other taking visitors from the Shaky Bridge Red Abbey Square. Each route has its own unique story and soundscape. Visual installations by artist and designer Deirdre Breen will adorn each route, with WP Cork Developers providing the state-of-the-art technology to guide visitors along the trails. “It was such a thrill to be asked to narrate the wonderful short story by Lisa McInerney called ‘Town A Love Story in Body Parts’. I can’t wait to wander the streets of my hometown in June and listen to the finished piece. I feel like it’s not only a love story about two people but it’s also a love story about Cork,” said Hilary Rose who plays Mairéad MacSweeney in ‘The Young Offenders’. Commissioned by Sounds from a Safe Harbour in association with Body & Soul, this free project is part of ‘Brightening Air | Coiscéim Coiligh’, a nationwide, ten day season of arts experiences funded by the Arts Council. Creative Director Mary Hickson said: “This project has been a wonderful lifeline for us all over the last few weeks. We are grateful for the opportunity to make these four unique works. The creative talent involved has been hugely inspiring, with the stories, sounds, visuals and voices helping to reimagine our sense of place. We are very excited and proud to share these special experiences.”
For more information on ‘Brightening Air | Coiscéim Coiligh’, visit brighteningair.com.