Athy art event celebrates sustainability and folklore 

THE heart of Athy thrummed with the spirit of “Future Ancestor Athy,” an event dedicated to inspiring sustainable living, celebrating local heritage, and engaging the community with the values of the UNESCO-endorsed Earth Charter.

Hosted along the banks of the River Barrow, this eco-art and community gathering was held on All Souls Day, 2 November and offered an afternoon of exhibitions, installations, workshops, and performances that invited attendees to reconnect with nature and honour the legacy of Ireland’s waterways.

“Future Ancestor Athy” sought to immerse the local community in the beauty and significance of the River Barrow, referred to in folklore as Berba, a witness to the lives of past, present, and future generations. By merging Athy’s heritage with Earth Charter values, the event highlighted the urgent need for sustainable living practices and environmental responsibility, fostering a deep sense of accountability and belonging for the community and its natural surroundings.

The event was an interactive celebration, combining art, folklore, and environmental education. Attendees were greeted by vibrant installations and exhibitions spread across the scenic riverside. Local youth played a significant role, with the Anchor Youth Club displaying eco-protest banners in the trees, emphasizing the urgent call for climate action.

Handprint prayer flags adorned various installation sites, symbolizing collective community prayers for the Earth. Meanwhile, visitors were captivated by ‘Berba’s Reverie’, a video installation by artist Deirdre Southey, showcased in the library’s Small Meeting Room. This poignant artwork brought Berba’s story to life, allowing viewers to reflect on the spirit of the river and its timeless presence.

The library also hosted ‘Berba’s Animal Friends’, a photography exhibit by James Lawlor, depicting the wildlife that depends on the river’s health.

Adding a touch of whimsy to the natural setting, Clare Hartigan’s art installation, ‘The Murphigans’, was displayed in the trees, sparking curiosity and drawing spectators into an otherworldly, imaginative realm. Griese Youth Theatre performed their original piece, Cry Me a River, in the main performance area, dramatizing the pressing need for environmental protection through song, storytelling, and dance.

Outside the library, the teenage all-girl rock band I.F. energized the crowd with their performance, highlighting the role of young voices in shaping a sustainable future.

Beyond performances and installations, the event offered several hands-on workshops designed to foster creativity and environmental awareness. ‘Berba’s Bounty’, a botanical ink-making workshop led by Angelina and Rachel Fountain introduced participants to inks made from plants growing along the Barrow. They also led a ‘Wall of Gratitude’ activity, where participants expressed their thanks to Berba (Goddess of the River Barrow), fostering a spirit of appreciation and mindfulness.

Another memorable experience was the Soul Boats installation on the river, handmade sustainable water lanterns, with handwritten indigenous poetry by Liam Regan, which were later released onto the Barrow’s waters.

Artist Emily and the Anchor Youth Club hosted live screen-printing stations, printing eco-conscious art on sustainable materials. Displayed throughout the site via QR codes was ‘Berba’s Creation Story’, narrated by Bríd Brophy, Judith O’Brien, and Emily Rainsford.

The event concluded with a Walk & Talk led by naturalist Cliff Reid and accompanied by ISL interpreter Aoife, who offered an informative journey along the Barrow, deepening participants’ understanding of the river’s ecosystem and the cultural significance of waterways in Ireland.

At the heart of Future Ancestor Athy was the theme of honouring our ancestors while embracing the concept of “Future Ancestors” – a reminder of the legacy each generation leaves behind. In a ceremonial act embodying reciprocity, attendees honoured Berba with a ritual led by artist Ciara O’Keeffe. Sculptures of unfired, compostable clay, crafted from earth foraged from the Barrow’s source, were offered back to Berba as a gesture of renewal and commitment to the land. This ceremony underscored the belief that our actions today shape the experiences of future generations.

The festival also explored ancient Irish beliefs, particularly the idea of water as a portal to other realms, linking Samhain’s cultural significance to modern environmental practices. With the rise of climate consciousness, Berba’s presence was celebrated as a witness to past actions and a guardian of future intentions, calling on the community to protect the environment.

The values expressed during Future Ancestor Athy will be carried forward in a series of Repair Cafés. The first was held in Narraghmore on 16 November, followed by another in Athy on 23 November. These gatherings will encourage sustainable living by teaching repair skills, reducing waste, and fostering a community-oriented approach to sustainability. This project has been funded by Kildare Climate Innovation Fund, with Narraghmore Repair Café supported by The Old Hardware and Athy Repair Café also supported by Athy Lions Club and Athy GFC.

Future Ancestor Athy was a pilot event and it is hoped it will grow in 2025.

More information about the Future Ancestor project and upcoming events can be found at bluewayartstudio.ie.