“In the middle of June, I stood in a bog in Leitrim, silently and blissfully, with a group of 45 people. For two minutes, no one spoke or shuffled. We just listened to the chorus of an Irish midsummer. For those who know me, this will seem like par for the course. In my creative work, I often find myself in intentional listening situations with groups of sonic enthusiasts. However, the group I stood with was not made up of seasoned sound-fanciers but rather a different contingent, familiar with the practice of deep listening in nature: farmers.” — Natalia Beylis, Visual Artists’ News Sheet, January—February 2025

The Dock proudly presents a creative showcase of artworks, objects, research and writing by Natalia Beylis, Anna Macleod, Christine Mackey, Anna McGurn, Deirdre O’Mahony, Tara Baoth Mooney, Gerry Bohan, Edwina Guckian, and Maria McKinney, alongside video documentation of six creative Farm Walks (March—October 2024) in Leitrim and Fermanagh.

The hosting farmers were Yvonne Browne, Michael McManus, Frank Whitney, John Flynn, Paddy McGurn, Carol Durkin, Gavin Durkin, Aidan McGovern, Vee McGovern, and Trevor Irwin.

The purpose of the Farm Walks project is to explore the common ground between artists and farmers, to highlight shared farming and environmental interests, to build capacity for cross-border cooperation, and to connect on common concerns including biodiversity, farming in harmony with nature, water quality, and climate action.

The creative showcase at The Dock opens up the Farm Walks project to the wider public and marks the start of the next phase of activities. In 2025, The Dock, in partnership with Leitrim Arts Office, Leitrim Sustainable Agricultural Group and Ulster Wildlife, will launch a residency programme funded by the Creative Ireland Shared Island Programme. 

Read the full text by Natalia Beylis for the Visual Artists’ News Sheet