Farm walks: exploring the art of listening to the land

The Dock is set to present a captivating creative showcase from January 28 to April 5, 2025, spotlighting the intersection of art and agriculture through the Farm Walks project. This exhibition brings together a rich tapestry of artworks, research, objects, and writing by artists Natalia Beylis, Anna Macleod, Christine Mackey, Anna McGurn, Deirdre O’Mahony, Tara Baoth Mooney, Gerry Bohan, Edwina Guckian, and Maria McKinney, inspired by a series of farm walks held across Leitrim and Fermanagh in 2024.

The Farm Walks initiative, co-created by Leitrim Arts Office, Leitrim Sustainable Agriculture Group, Ulster Wildlife, and The Dock, aims to foster collaboration between artists and farmers, exploring shared concerns around biodiversity, climate action, and farming in harmony with nature. The project also emphasizes the importance of cross-border cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The project’s originator, Natalia Beylis, reflects on her experiences during the walks, recalling one memorable moment in June when she stood in a Leitrim bog with 45 participants, quietly listening to the sounds of midsummer. While Beylis often leads groups in deep listening sessions as part of her creative practice, this walk was unique: the participants were not artists but farmers, familiar with the rhythm of nature in their everyday lives. It was in these quiet, reflective moments that the Farm Walks project truly resonated.

Each walk focused on a different farm in counties Leitrim and Fermanagh, where an invited artist would present their work and lead discussions on the farm’s unique environment. From exploring the historic Spa Well at Spa Cottage Organic Farm in Leitrim to examining the biodiversity-rich hedgerows of Trevor Irwin’s farm in Boho, each walk offered a unique opportunity to bridge the worlds of farming and art.

The exhibition at The Dock will showcase video documentation of these walks, as well as the resulting works by participating artists. The goal is to highlight how artists and farmers, often seen as occupying separate spheres, share a common interest in preserving the land and nurturing the environment.

The Farm Walks project began in March 2024 at Spa Cottage Organic Farm and continued through October with a diverse range of activities, from ceramic workshops at Boa Island in Fermanagh to a boat trip along the River Shannon in Leitrim. Each event combined the beauty of the natural environment with thoughtful discussions about farming practices, sustainability, and the role of art in environmental stewardship.

One of the standout moments came in June when participants were invited to simply listen to the land. Led by artist Deirdre O’Mahony, the group paused in a bog in Leitrim, immersed in the sounds of rustling hedgerows and the call of birds, offering a poignant reminder of the fragile connection between humans and nature.

The Farm Walks project has also led to the development of a new residency programme, launching in 2025 in partnership with Leitrim Arts Office and Ulster Wildlife. This residency, funded by the Creative Ireland Shared Island Programme, will continue to foster collaboration between artists and farmers, with the aim of exploring sustainable farming practices and preserving Ireland’s natural heritage.

The Farm Walks creative showcase is more than just an exhibition—it's an invitation to reflect on the deep connections between farming, art, and nature. It highlights the importance of creative collaboration in tackling the pressing issues of our time, such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and food sovereignty.