Hand to Land and Thread in Hand is a collaborative public art and cultural heritage project led by artist Fiona Murphy, developed through Leitrim County Council’s Public Art Programme. The project explores Ballinamore’s historic connection to flax farming and linen production in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Now in progress, the project features three core strands: the creation of a public sculpture at The Junction in Ballinamore, creative workshops with 2nd and 3rd level art students, and a community engagement initiative.

Local group The Crafty Bunch has been selected to take part in the community strand. Together, they are exploring the cultural legacy of flax and linen through hands-on creative processes such as weaving, drawing, thread-making, and sculpture. As part of their journey, the group will visit Mallon Linen in Magherafelt, a working flax-growing project dedicated to preserving traditional linen-making methods.

Through shared storytelling, craft, and creative exploration, Hand to Land and Thread in Hand invites reflection on the region’s rich material heritage and fosters new connections between past and present.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.