Speakers: Grainne McMenamin and Catherine Bourne from NorthWork Ireland

This webinar explored the intersection of art, conflict, and community building in post-conflict environments, focusing on the work of artists Grainne McMenamin and Catherine Bourne from NorthWork Ireland. The presenters shared insights from their project, which engages young people from segregated communities, offering a creative platform to bridge religious and cultural divides.

Key themes discussed:

Historical context and segregation: We revisited Northern Ireland’s legacy of conflict and the enduring segregation in communities and schools. Over 90% of schools remain divided along religious lines, reflecting the ongoing socio-political divisions. The challenge lies in fostering connections across these divides, as many young people grow up without meaningful interaction with peers from other communities.

Art as a bridge: The heart of the project is using art as a neutral ground for youth to engage with each other. Nature and the environment were leveraged as universal, shared elements, creating a space for participants from Protestant and Catholic communities to work together on creative projects, including drawing, weaving, and nature-based art. This approach helps them find commonality beyond political or religious divides.

Hands-on creative activities: A key aspect of the workshops involves using accessible, low-budget materials such as wild clay and foraged plants for natural dyeing. The project emphasises sustainability, teaching young people that they could replicate these creative processes on their own without expensive equipment. This hands-on approach not only nurtures creativity but also reconnects participants with traditional crafts, offering them a new way to appreciate their shared heritage.

Engaging younger generations: While the project initially targeted older teens, younger children and family members began participating as well, expanding the scope and impact. This highlighted the importance of making creative initiatives adaptable and accessible to different age groups.

Humor and new perspectives: The presenters noted that younger generations are exploring historical traumas with a mix of seriousness and humor. Artists and musicians, like the group Kneecap, use humor as a tool for navigating complex social issues, which represents a shift in how post-conflict societies process their past. The project allows participants to explore difficult themes through a more playful and creative lens.

Key takeaways:

Formal initiatives in schools: Despite the heavy segregation in Northern Ireland’s schools, the webinar raised the question of whether more initiatives like this art project could be introduced formally. While these schools are divided, offering creative, cross-community activities could help bridge these divides without forcing students into uncomfortable situations.

Building trust with youth: The success of the project hinged on building trust with young people and their parents through non-intrusive engagement. The presenters stressed the importance of offering opportunities for connection without demanding participation, allowing trust and interaction to develop naturally over time.

Community spaces: Collaborating with local libraries or community centers to secure spaces for youth to gather and create is essential. These neutral spaces provide a safe environment for young people from different communities to engage in shared activities, fostering dialogue and understanding.

The project not only fosters creativity but also contributes to a broader conversation about how art can play a role in healing divided societies and promoting cross-border creativity.

Grainne McMenamin is an interdisciplinary artist based in the North West of Ireland. She studied Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Ulster Art College in Belfast and at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Munich. Her projects span installation, performance, sculpture and video alongside a studio-based practice. She has exhibited nationally and internationally.

Catherine Bourne is an Australian artist, researcher, and educator working in Ireland. She holds an MA in Digital Art from UCC, an MFA from Monash University and a BA in Sculpture from Curtin University. She has participated in residencies and projects across Australia, the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, The Netherlands, and China. Her multidisciplinary socially engaged practice focuses on communication, trauma, and identity.