Bord na Móna & Sculpture in the Parklands
The Business Challenge
Since the early 1950s, Bord na Móna has harvested peat from bogs in Ireland. In the mid 1970s they started to develop these production areas for new land uses. Their challenge was how to develop diverse landscapes, which accommodate both commercial activity and sanctuaries for wildlife and recreation, from Bord na Móna cutaway bogs and deliver long-term benefits to the company, their environment and community.
The Solution
Bord na Móna developed Lough Boora Parklands; a series of wetlands created from a cutaway bog in County Offaly. In 2000, artist Kevin O’Dwyer approached Bord na Móna with the concept of inviting artists to participate in an International Sculpture Symposium to celebrate the rich heritage of Lough Boora. The Symposium established Sculpture in the Parklands, a 50-acre sculpture park which has grown over the past 6 years. Annually, Bord na Móna provides manpower, public liability insurance, engineering expertise, fabrication facilities and maintenance for artist residencies. Their long-term commitment includes the construction of a green visitor’s pavilion which will include a lecture theatre and gallery.
Benefits to Company
The success of this initiative is due to the public-private element that is involved. In 2008, world-renowned environmental artist Patrick Doherty was secured for the residency. He created the monumental Ruaille Buaille which garnered extensive media interest for the Parklands. In 2008, the Park was also included in the programming of International Peat Congress which introduced delegates to new uses for cutaway bogs.
Benefits to Stakeholders
Sculpture in the Parklands is a free community recreational facility that is open all year. It provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with contemporary works of art by renowned artists in a relaxed environment. In 2008, a hands-on educational programme for 17 primary schools and a series of master-classes for crafts people was also included.
Since the early 1950s, Bord na Móna has harvested peat from bogs in Ireland. In the mid 1970s they started to develop these production areas for new land uses. Their challenge was how to develop diverse landscapes, which accommodate both commercial activity and sanctuaries for wildlife and recreation, from Bord na Móna cutaway bogs and deliver long-term benefits to the company, their environment and community.
The Solution
Bord na Móna developed Lough Boora Parklands; a series of wetlands created from a cutaway bog in County Offaly. In 2000, artist Kevin O’Dwyer approached Bord na Móna with the concept of inviting artists to participate in an International Sculpture Symposium to celebrate the rich heritage of Lough Boora. The Symposium established Sculpture in the Parklands, a 50-acre sculpture park which has grown over the past 6 years. Annually, Bord na Móna provides manpower, public liability insurance, engineering expertise, fabrication facilities and maintenance for artist residencies. Their long-term commitment includes the construction of a green visitor’s pavilion which will include a lecture theatre and gallery.
Benefits to Company
The success of this initiative is due to the public-private element that is involved. In 2008, world-renowned environmental artist Patrick Doherty was secured for the residency. He created the monumental Ruaille Buaille which garnered extensive media interest for the Parklands. In 2008, the Park was also included in the programming of International Peat Congress which introduced delegates to new uses for cutaway bogs.
Benefits to Stakeholders
Sculpture in the Parklands is a free community recreational facility that is open all year. It provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with contemporary works of art by renowned artists in a relaxed environment. In 2008, a hands-on educational programme for 17 primary schools and a series of master-classes for crafts people was also included.
‘Sky-train’ by Mike Bulfin and ‘60 Degrees’ by Kevin O’Dwyer at Sculpture in the Parklands