Creative Climate Action
Cultureways (2026-2029)
The Climate Action Unit at Cork City Council is leading an ambitious three-year project to enable behavioural change in Cork City by encouraging people to rethink and reduce short car journeys.
Supported by €750,000 in funding through the Creative Ireland Climate Action Fund III, the project is being delivered in partnership with the Glucksman Gallery, Cork Midsummer Festival, Sapience, and the Sustainability Institute at University College Cork.
The project will focus on three suburban communities in Cork City that share a common challenge: a high concentration of short everyday journeys under 2km. A dedicated Cultureway will be developed in each community, providing a platform for a series of artistic commissions informed by evidence-based behavioural science approaches to support lasting change.
Cultureways will work with local residents to reimagine these everyday journeys, encouraging more walking, cycling and other sustainable travel choices. Artists will collaborate with local people in familiar community settings, including sports clubs, community centres and shopping areas, to explore travel habits, local routes and opportunities for more sustainable mobility. By combining socially engaged arts practice with behavioural science, the project will use creative interventions and artistic commissions to help communities rethink how they move around their neighbourhoods and strengthen their connection with the wider city.
Transport accounts for approximately 30% of Cork City's greenhouse gas emissions, with many short journeys representing a significant opportunity for change. Building on the growing public appetite for active and sustainable travel, Cultureways aims to help transform intention into action, supporting healthier lifestyles, improved air quality and reduced emissions.
As part of Cork City's commitment to becoming a climate-neutral city by 2030, Cultureways will demonstrate the important role that creativity, culture and community participation can play in addressing climate challenges and creating positive, long-term environmental change.
The Creative Ireland Climate Action Fund is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the Department of the Taoiseach, and EirGrid.