Art and nature unite in Dodder biodiversity project
A unique exhibition showcases a creative collaboration exploring plant diversity along the River Dodder. Hosted in Tallaght and County Hall, it highlights an inspiring partnership between artists, community members, and students from South Dublin.
Source:
South Dublin County Council
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⏱️ 1 min read
The Nature Squared exhibition presents a compelling fusion of art and environmental awareness, opening at the County Library in Tallaght on 7 November 2026 before transferring to County Hall from 16 to 20 November. This public art initiative by Anne Cleary and Denis Connolly is part of South Dublin County Council’s IN CONTEXT 5 Public Art Programme.
During spring and summer 2026, adults with intellectual disabilities from the Cheeverstown community and students from St. Mac Dara's Community College joined forces with the artists on numerous excursions along a six-kilometre stretch of the River Dodder. Together, they surveyed the rich plant biodiversity using a scientific tool called a quadrat, capturing the intricate botanical life through photographs, drawings, and collected specimens.
The resulting exhibition features four square artworks inspired by herbarium collections, alongside maps, video projections, diary excerpts, and pressed flowers. The project reflects a socially engaged environmental arts practice aiming to elevate public appreciation of biodiversity. Artists Cleary and Connolly emphasise how this collaborative approach nurtures scientific curiosity and creativity, inspiring positive climate action within the Dodder linear park. For further information on the IN CONTEXT programme, contact Rina Whyte at [email protected] or Richie O’Sullivan at [email protected].
During spring and summer 2026, adults with intellectual disabilities from the Cheeverstown community and students from St. Mac Dara's Community College joined forces with the artists on numerous excursions along a six-kilometre stretch of the River Dodder. Together, they surveyed the rich plant biodiversity using a scientific tool called a quadrat, capturing the intricate botanical life through photographs, drawings, and collected specimens.
The resulting exhibition features four square artworks inspired by herbarium collections, alongside maps, video projections, diary excerpts, and pressed flowers. The project reflects a socially engaged environmental arts practice aiming to elevate public appreciation of biodiversity. Artists Cleary and Connolly emphasise how this collaborative approach nurtures scientific curiosity and creativity, inspiring positive climate action within the Dodder linear park. For further information on the IN CONTEXT programme, contact Rina Whyte at [email protected] or Richie O’Sullivan at [email protected].
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