Dublin public revel in ‘Other Stories’ launch

Inspirational individuals who play a key role in celebrating and preserving  the Capital’s unique culture, heritage and society are revelling in a new book which immortalises their invaluable work and was launched at Dublin Port Company.

The event was the final in-person launch of ‘Other Stories, Cultural Heritage and Society’ and marks the end of an island of Ireland tour which has visited Cork, Clare, Mayo and Fermanagh in recent weeks and has seen members of the public celebrate its publication.

International Council on Monuments & Sites (ICOMOS) Ireland published the beautifully crafted book to showcase the work and importance of 15 culture, heritage and society projects on the island of Ireland. The book gives a voice to those involved in the form of personal reflections.

Tracey Bardon (Engagement Coordinator with the Culture Company), The Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr. Caroline Conroy and Donal Fallon (Social Historian with the Culture Company) pictured at the Dublin launch of ‘Other Stories’.

Among the Dublin projects featured were BíUrban and 14 Henrietta Street. It examines how each of the featured projects started, what sustains them, and their broader impact as well as how they give us all a much greater appreciation of heritage and its relationship to communities and society.

Free copies of Other Stories are available thanks to the generosity, support and funding from the Heritage Council, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin City Council and Dublin Port Company.

Speaking at the Dublin launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy,  said: “Other Stories: Cultural Heritage and Society is an inspiring and beautifully-crafted publication from ICOMOS Ireland. Researched and written with great integrity, Other Stories showcases cultural heritage projects on the island of Ireland which are rooted in the Faro Convention’s principles of active citizenship and democratic participation and espouse the idea that cultural heritage can improve our sense of place and wellbeing for the benefit of all society.

“Two Dublin initiatives feature in Other Stories, both of which I admire greatly and encourage you all to visit and engage. They are Bí Urban, established in Stoneybatter by Kaethe Burt-O’Dea and 14 Henrietta Street, developed by Dublin City Council and run by the Dublin City Council Cultural Company.”

Speaking at the launch, ICOMOS Ireland’s Gráinne Shaffrey said: “Through Other Stories ICOMOS Ireland is advocating for Ireland to sign and ratify the Faro Convention. Other Stories is a call to broaden and deepen the relationship between cultural heritage and society. It advocates for more inclusive, considered and creative approaches which present, protect and sustainably develop the rich seams of cultural heritage in Ireland.

“These 15 inspiring case studies exemplify the spirit and values promoted by the Faro convention, which places rights and respect at the foreground for everyone, alone and collectively, to benefit from and contribute to the enrichment of cultural heritage.”

Barney Devine (Arney, Fermanagh) and Paul Bokslag (Papercut designer, Other Stories publication) pictured at the Dublin launch of ‘Other Stories’.

Other Stories was launched at an online event by Heritage and Electoral Reform Minister, Malcolm Noonan, T.D., as part of the ICOMOS Ireland annual Maura Shaffrey Lecture during the pandemic. ICOMOS Ireland undertook the research and advocacy project to highlight the spirit and principles of  the Faro Convention as expressed in an Irish context.

The specially selected projects include in the book are X-PO, 14 Henrietta Street, The Bridge Street Project, Kilmuckridge Song Project, Diamond War Memorial, Foyle Punt, Meitheal Mara, Battles, Bricks and Bridges, Headford Lace Project, Great Western Greenway, Irish Seed Savers, Thomastown Community River Trust, Bi Urban, Migrant Women: Shared Experiences, Missling on the Tobar.

• For more about the publication itself, visit https://workhouseunion.com/project/other-stories-cultural-heritage-and-society/