Reconnecting post-pandemic through art and stories

A STORY exchange and art-making workshop for adults takes place at Scariff Library on Saturday, July 23, as a way of reuniting East Clare communities after the pandemic.

‘Sharing Ground’ is a participatory art project that responds to the divisions that arose during the lockdowns. It will examine ways to meet each other with understanding, even when we hold divergent views.

Story Exchange is a process of sharing short stories from participants’ lives, and includes participation through active listening.

Its purpose is to create a space where people can see and acknowledge each others’ differences and, on a human level by sharing stories, build understanding through empathy.

The project is being organised by artist Nathalie El Baba, who has trained under Narrative 4 as a Story Exchange facilitator.

It is funded by the Arts Council and will be visually documented by West Clare-based photographic artist, Myriam Riand. A publication about the exchange will be produced.

An information session takes place on Thursday, July 14, at Scariff Library from 6-7pm, with a modelling of a story exchange and a Q&A.

The Story Exchange is being hosted by Scariff Library and will run from 11am to 5pm. If you are interested and would like to take part, or would like more information please contact Nathalie on 087-6159466, or email nathalieelbaba@gmail.com

This event is free but places will need to be reserved before the day as advance preparation is required. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.