Budding Sounds

A climate-change and sound-art project by composer Robert Coleman with students from Clonburris N.S. and Rathfarnham Parish N.S.

Over a year, the schoolchildren took part in a 12-part series of environmental education and sound art workshops. Tree planting, sound maps, sound collages, presentations on air pollution and sustainability, nature-connection meditations and more combined into one educational art-science experience - teaching participants about our environment, what they can do to help, and, crucially, creative ways to express themselves about it.

Co-presenters Talita Marcillo, Cathelijne de Wit (Forest Bathing Wicklow) and Climate Love Ireland founder Laragh McCann each worked with Robert to highlight biodiversity, nature connection and climate change. As a backdrop to the project, the children helped plant native trees at their schools and in their gardens in winter, and documented their growth into summer using recordings - anchoring their awareness in the changing, growing world around them.

The resulting sound installation and exhibition - showcasing creative work by the children, Robert and Climate Love Ireland members - was shown in Rua Red Gallery on the 1st and 2nd of July, open to all ages.

In collaboration with Climate Love Ireland, facilitated by AltEnts Arts Group and funded by Creative Ireland South Dublin.