KinShip 2026 EcoLab Programme Launched
20/04/2026
Cork City Council hosted the launch of the 2026 KinShip EcoLab programme on Saturday 18 April in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
The KinShip Project, based in Tramore Valley Park, is a long-term public art project supported through Cork City Council by the Creative Ireland Programme. It explores how communities can respond to landscapes shaped by environmental change. Located on a remediated former landfill, the project brings together artists, ecologists, and the public to engage with questions of care, responsibility, and shared use of public land.
Central to the project is den talamh ('of the ground'), an award-winning structure or ‘EcoLab’ designed by Fuinneamh Workshop Architects with Civil and Structural Engineering Advisors Ltd for creative climate actions, activities and meetings.
On the launch of the 2026 KinShip EcoLab progamme, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. Tony Fitzgerald praised the initiative “The EcoLab is well worth a visit to see what is possible when the arts and architecture collaborate on climate matters with local support. This unique structure, possibly the only public construction of its kind, draws directly from the park’s history. The 2026 EcoLab programme challenges us to carefully consider the materials and methods we use while providing a special space for everyone to get involved in climate action and education, even if that action is simply connecting creatively with nature in an inspiring shelter.”
Hand built using rammed earth sourced locally and traditional techniques, it will be no surprise to all who visit that The EcoLab has become one Ireland’s most frequent nominee of national and international architectural awards. It has been awarded the Architectural Association of Ireland Award and the Big See International Award (2025), as well as Social Impact and Multi-Discipline Collaboration awards at the Building & Architect of the Year Awards. It has also been recognised by the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Institute of Designers in Ireland.
The launch event included a screening of Den Talamh, a short film by Linda Curtin documenting the construction of the EcoLab, alongside contributions from prior KinShip programme artists and participants.
The 2026 programme will run from May to October and is jam packed with a range of fantastic artist-led and community-based events for all ages. Highlighted at the launch were dance workshops and performances with Inma Pavon Dance Company, a Biodiversity Week zine launch and bird walk with Nature Network Ireland, a storytelling workshop with Paddy Doyle, a soundwalk for World Listening Day with Seán Taylor, and the CLUAS sound event in October.
KinShip 2026 is led by Nature Network Ireland in partnership with Cork City Council and local organisations.
To read about the full 2026 EcoLab programme, go to https://www.corkcity.ie/en/kinship/ or follow @kinshipcork.
For bookings, queries and to propose an activity of your own or your group’s own at the KinShip EcoLab, contact kinshipassistance@gmail.com