Food brings us all together. It is eaten, shared; a group and family experience, a way to keep us connected to our cultures and to keep family traditions alive through the handing down of recipes. Often these are done by memory and instinct. Food incites memory, and the act of cooking can stir up passion, joy and sorrow, bringing the notion of home, identity, belonging and familiarity back to us. In times of displacement it can be one of the few constants, helping to nurture, helping us to feel safe.

Ayelet Lalor, a Ballydehob born artist, will work with a group of 10 adult refugees/asylum seekers from diverse backgrounds currently living in West Cork. She will facilitate a series of workshops which will be delivered in the Skibbereen Community & Family Resource Centre and take place over a period of three weeks during the summer.

Participants will share a recipe from their own culture that’s important to them, whether celebratory or of the everyday. Through storytelling with local actor/writer Karen Minihan, and artwork expressing the nature of the dishes with Ayelet Lalor through drawing, print and collage, the project will culminate in an exhibition. It is anticipated that we will publish a catalog/cookbook and have a celebratory public open day of food alongside the art exhibition.

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