Spring has Sprung at Strabane Allotment
01 March 2021
A willow sculpture of a bunny rabbit made by artist Brendan Farren has been unveiled at Strabane Allotment as part of North West Carnival's 'Imagine That' Spring programme funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The Imagine That programming is a combination of artist led creation, online content including tutorials and webinars and neighbourhood focused activity in place of the usual Spring Carnival celebrations.
The city centre will be reimagined as part of the project with multiple creative installations and pop up displays adorning several walls including Shipquay Street and a number of quiet places within the Derry Walls.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, applauded Brendan Farren's handy work and stated his hope that the Spring programme would mark a return to some normality in the months ahead.
"As we begin to emerge from Covid 19 and the dark skies of winter fall away, Derry City and Strabane town will welcome Spring with open arms in a cocophony of colour and creativity and the promise of brighter days ahead," he said.
"It is particularly apt that Brendan Farren's stunning willow sculpture will be displayed at Strabane allotment where early planting and sowing will soon be taking place giving hope for growth and more fulfilling days ahead.
"I would like to welcome the start of the Imagine That programming and look forward to Council's Festivals and Events team being able to facilitate more community engagement in the months ahead as restrictions hopefully ease."
Artist Brendan Farren added: "I have been making baskets and weaving now for more than 15 years, having learned the art from Charlie Danny in Dooey North, Leitirmacaward, in western Donegal.
"I have facilitated a number of community projects and this project is a continuation of my ongoing collaboration with North West Carnival."
Ursula Doherty manager of the Strabane Community Project said she was delighted by the results of Brendan's work and looked forward to a growing partnership with North West Carnival.
With this year's St Patricks Day parades being cancelled a programme of activity has been devised that will engage and captivate citizens across the district.
Activity will include pop up installations and online tutorials providing much relief as we emerge from the dark days of winter into the new growth of spring.
For further information please visit North West Carnival Initiatives facebook page.
NWCI is supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Lottery funded.