The Eco Showboat is a zero carbon floating arts infrastructure currently being developed by the School of Looking with the aim of navigating the inland waterways mobilising the arts to engage the Irish public on climate change.

This aim supports Creative Ireland’s aim to spark dialogue on how the Cultural and Creative sectors can engage the Irish public on climate change.

In advance of the Eco Showboat’s inaugural expedition in 2021, School of Looking will work with a local artist and a community in each of 5 counties to explore climate through the arts.

Kildare is a county richly endowed by waterways, with 2 canals and over a dozen rivers, and faces severe challenges brought on by climate change, including flooding and biodiversity loss.

In County Kildare School of Looking will work with an artist and community to develop creative workshops exploring water related themes such as: the water cycle; life under water; biodiversity; habitats; ecosystems; flooding...

A variety of art forms may be used including: visual arts, literature, poetry, music, performance…

School of Looking will liaise with the Kildare County Council Arts Office to invite an artist whose work resonates with the above-mentioned themes, and to connect with a community group.

This process focused project aims to develop creative conversations around climate change. Outputs will include documentation of the process as well as artwork, and all resulting work will be made available online.

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