Walking, thinking, and talking: Research, Website and Animation Launch

In Ireland, research that dwells on lived experiences in the context of poverty has been absent in recent years. Conducted in partnership with ATD Ireland, the research being launched at this event  has sought to address this in creative and inclusive ways. The research has been participative, with input from participants invited at all stages. With respect to capturing lived experiences as a form of knowledge, the research has employed walking as a participatory arts methodology  while using photography sound files and drawing/mapping. Alongside the research report, this event will also see the launch of a project website and the premier of a 10 minute animated short which uses the voices of the research participants as recorded during the walking interviews. The aim for this research has been to connect with lived experiences of poverty in ways that are tangible, visceral and visible. The research will be formally launched by Father Peter McVerry, a long time advocate for social justice and someone who has continually put forward a perspective which goes beyond individual explanations for poverty, homelessness and social injustice by challenging common sense understandings of these issues. Some of the research participants will also speak on the day. The event will run from 10:30 until 12:30 with coffee available from 9:30 and a light lunch available afterward.