Celebration of Travellers as Citizens of Cork

An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at the opening of the new Traveller Resource Centre in Cork.

Project Partner:
Traveller Visibility Group

Date: 27 November 2005
Venue: Traveller Resource Centre, Lower John Street,

Project Description:
Coinciding with the formal opening by An Taoiseach of a new Traveller Resource Centre, the Travaller Visibility Group launched a unique photographic exhibition and publication to illustrate the richness of contemporary life in the travelling community.

Featuring photographs by international photographer Daithí Mac and Bhiocaire, ‘Celebration of Travellers as Citizens of Cork’ was a fitting project for Cork as European Capital of Culture, who commisisoned this work in line with its objective to shine a light on overlooked cultural expression. The Traveller community in particular has risen to the challenge presented by the year and the designation.

Over the past 40 years Traveller culture has had to cope with great pressures and change, and accommodation and mutual respect still remain key objectives to be achieved between Traveller and settled communities.

The launch of the publication and exhibition was one of a number of events supported by Cork 2005 which took place during the opening weekend at the new Traveller Resource Centre. Other events included:

Screening of ‘Straight Talking’, a new short film about Travellers produced by Framework Films and commissioned by Cork 2005.

Performance of one-man play ‘A Traveller in Progress’. Performed by Michael Collins. Directed by Mick Rafferty.