One of Ireland’s leading sculptor’s plans to harness electricity on a Co Leitrim river where power was first generated 100 years ago. Seamus Dunbar is one of six creative entrepreneurs who will be launched to the marketplace in 2015 with the assistance of Harnessing Creativity, a unique three year programme established to revitalise the border region .
Harnessing Creativity received €799,880 in funding through the European Union’s INTERREG IVA programme and managed by the Special European Union’s Programme Body (SEUPB) and is being delivered by the Local Enterprise Office in Leitrim.
A total of 440 participants from counties Leitrim, Tyrone, Fermanagh and the wider region, have to date received assistance from Harnessing Creativity, the largest creative enterprise the North West has ever experienced. “We operate in a region which traditionally has acted like a magnet for creative people,” explained coordinator Anna Marie O’Rourke. “Our focus is on fostering collaboration between the creative sector and mainstream businesses to generate economic activity”.
Participants have availed of master classes in new and emerging digital technologies, mentoring, and business development training .The following six projects will be introduced to the marketplace in 2015 through “Expanded Territories” exhibitions and seminars, north and south of the border , having been earmarked for special product development funding.
Big Day Out in Leitrim: Three environmentally aware tourist businesses help participants to forget their worries in beautiful surroundings, with a series of activities ranging from foraging to exploring the countryside on electric bikes. Hosted by Leitrim Landscapes Guided Walks, Electric Bike Trails from Leitrim Village and Adventure Gently Canoeing from Dromahair, the day can be tailored to suit any client and any season . “It’s about getting out in nature but it’s not an endurance test,” stressed Nuala McNulty who provides local guided walks with forager Tina Pommer, and wildlife expert Rob Wheeldon . For Big Day Out in Leitrim the emphasis is on getting off the beaten track in the company of locals who know the terrain. Already a hit with corporate customers.
‘Local-E is the brainchild of Manorhamilton-based sculptor Seamus Dunbar who has already established the economic feasibility of building a hydro station on the Ownemore river to supply householders. Inspired by the discovery that a local hydroelectric station powered street lights in Manorhamilton 100 years ago, Dunbar aims to promote energy awareness by giving local individuals, companies and communities ownership of, and responsibility for, their own energy generation. A co-founder with Jackie McKenna of the Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Dunbar is also participating in an audit of energy needs in his community- against the backdrop of local concerns about fracking. Seamus Dunbar’s public commissions can be seen at the Hugeonot cemetery and the Botanic Gardens, in Dublin.
Tramps Outdoor: Graphic and web designer Mella O’Brolchain often wondered why no one had come up with an attractive but practical outdoor clothing range to suit walkers, festival goers or anyone coping with the four seasons Ireland can see in one day. The Dubliner who moved to Roscommon six years ago and relishes living in an artistic community. Her new outdoor range includes a hip belt for holding keys, wallet and phone, a muck-resistant performance skirt which looks good over leggings and a cosy cowl. Mella has designed tee-shirts for the Irish National Stud and Trinity College. With plans to expand her clothing range, she is exhibiting at Showcase, Ireland’s largest trade fair, in the RDS in January.
Boyle-based sculptor Kate Oram has fused digital age technology with bronze age artistic techniques for her project. A tutor at the Leitrim Sculpture Centre she has pioneered the use of 3D printing as a tool for those learning the ancient art of sandcasting and now conducts online tutorials with course participants before they get their hands dirty. “We can print out three dimensional master patterns before the practical work starts,” explained Oram who has designed iconic awards for a range of corporate clients. Her sports awards have been presented to among others Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Rory Best, AP McCoy, Paddy Barnes and Ronan O’Gara.
“The Artu” is a circular mobile arts venue which Inishowen-based artist Rebecca Strain has used to bring creative activities to rural locations including village and town festivals, schools, and community groups. Strain who has been making paper since 2000 has developed a partnership with Fort Dunree military museum and has delivered workshops in Derry, Donegal,Sweden and Switzerland. Performance art and print making are key interests and she combines the two to entertain her audiences.
GO GALLIVANT – Hollywood actor Sam Neill was born at 17th century Mullaghmore House near Omagh Co Tyrone. Textile artist Teresa Poyntz and designer, Ann Louise Breshnan are collaborating with an illustrator and researcher to create an online interactive book about this historic house and grounds. For the Go Gallivant project they hope to explore other places of cultural tourism for a series of online books and apps.
“We are at the threshold of a significant change in the way we do business,” said Joe Lowe Head of Local Enterprise Office Leitrim “Harnessing Creativity is in an ideal position to contribute to that change by exploiting the talents of the people of the region”.
The cross-border project which runs until June 2015, is being delivered by the Local Enterprise office-Leitrim in partnership with the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN), Leitrim County Council, Fermanagh District Council, Omagh Enterprise Agency, Tyrone Donegal Partnership and the Leitrim Design House.
