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The Waking Walls (Cavan)

by Alan James Burns

Cavan based audio-visual artist and acclaimed cultural events producer, Alan James Burns, used his Seed Grant to research and develop a scripted lament examining themes of loss, climate change, and environmental grief through Cloughoughter Castle in the Cavan Lakelands. His project developed through all-island of Ireland community research, consultation with a climate expert, and a writer.   

As Alan James told us:

“The Seeds Grant and support from IHF allowed the project to find and develop its informed thematic direction and foster collaborations across the island of Ireland. It enabled me to engage with the language of grief and gave me the confidence to discuss this complex topic. It also provided me with key research resources and connections to other creative practitioners that will enrich my work.” 

Artist Jason Dunne created images to illustrate Alan James’s concept and he has since secured further funding from the Arts Council Traditional Arts Project Award. As a result, this project is moving to production stage and Alan James is liaising with the Office of Public Works (OPW). He has also secured all-island support from Flax Art Studios Belfast and Cruse Bereavement Support in Northern Ireland. In July 2022, he was awarded additional funding from the Artistic and Cultural Cooperation with Northern Ireland Scheme. 

July 2023 Update

Having received approval by the Office of Public Works, separate funding was subsequently secured to develop this project further. This event is now scheduled for September 8th to 9th 2023 at Cloughoughter Castle, Cavan.  Here is the website to keep an eye on for updates www.alanjamesburns.com

About Alan James Burns 

Alan James Burns is a Cavan-based audio-visual artist and cultural event producer who develops immersive sensory environments with mixed-reality technologies in site-specific locations. His acclaimed projects to date have explored innovative, dialogical exhibition formats combining physical, virtual, and sensory elements that enable collective experiences of technology and generate awareness of climate change and mental wellbeing. He holds an exceptional track record in delivering emotive psycho-acoustic, site-specific projects to the highest standard.  His artworks have attracted national and international coverage including London Magazine, Irish Times, RTÉ, HotPress, The Journal, Lonely Planet, The Thin Air, Connacht Tribune, and The Irish Examiner. 

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