Community designed
Community-led from the ground up. Every programme begins with local voices, bringing together artists, scientists and communities to create lasting environmental change.
From Pilots to Shared Voices
Since 2022, Floating Voices has worked with communities across Waterford through three pilot programmes exploring local ecology, heritage and our connection to place.
From the wildflowers of the River Suir to Waterford's maritime history, each programme has shown us what can happen when communities, artists and scientists come together to explore the issues that matter to them.
These shared experiences helped shape the next chapter of Floating Voices: bringing our community-led eco-educational approach across the border through Shared Island 2026.
SHARED ISLAND 2026
Bringing communities together across the border to share ideas, creativity and action for our waterways.
In 2026, Floating Voices was delighted to receive support through the Department of Foreign Affairs Shared Island Initiative to deliver two cross-border eco-educational programmes with communities in Waterford, Derry and Antrim.
Together, participants have been exploring issues including coastal and river erosion, sharing their experiences, ideas and creative responses across communities on both sides of the border.
At the heart of the programme are the voices of the people taking part: what they see happening in their own communities, what they believe needs to change and how creativity can help turn those ideas into action.
In this short film, Floating Voices artists Cormac Dillon and Adela Passas share why they became involved in the Shared Island Programme and what being part of the project means to them.
SHARED ISLAND: PHASE 1 SCREENING
Join us at Waterford Gallery of Art on October 9th 2026, 6.30pm to 9pm, for a special evening celebrating the first phase of the Shared Island Programme. Entry is free and open to all, no booking required.
The evening will include a screening of our Phase 1 film, capturing the stories, experiences and behind-the-scenes journey of the communities involved, with Cormac Dillon, Adela Passas and Floating Voices founder Edel Tobin.
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Our
programmes
Every programme tells a different story, but they all begin in the same place, with communities coming together to shape the future of their local waterways.
SHARED ISLAND PROGRAMME 2026
Throughout 2026, Floating Voices has been delivering two cross-border eco-educational programmes, bringing together schools, community groups and adults with learning disabilities from Waterford, Derry and Antrim. Working alongside artists and ecologist Katrina Bent, participants explored coastal erosion, biodiversity, river health and climate action while sharing ideas, stories and creative solutions across communities.
Made possible through the generous support of the Department of Foreign Affairs Shared Island Initiative.
FLOATING VOICES FESTIVAL 2025
The first Floating Voices Festival brought together environmental leaders, artists, educators, businesses and local communities to explore how creativity can inspire climate action. Through panel discussions, exhibitions, music and guided walks, the festival celebrated the growing movement behind Floating Voices. Perhaps its greatest success was something unexpected; the festival brought together the working group that continues to help guide and champion the project today.
Supported by Waterford City & County Council.
Eco-Educational Programme 2024
Waterford
Working with students from Ardscoil na Mara and adults from the Brothers of Charity, this programme explored how native wildflowers and biodiversity play an essential role in protecting rivers, improving water quality and reducing flooding. Science, creativity and hands-on learning came together to inspire practical environmental action.
Eco-Educational Programme 2023
Waterford
Young people from Abbey Community College and residents of the Little Sisters of the Poor came together to create a shared seasonal garden while learning about biodiversity and the changing rhythms of nature. The programme demonstrated the power of creativity to connect generations through environmental learning.
Eco-Educational Programme 2022
Waterford
The very first Floating Voices programme explored the rich history and heritage of the River Suir, celebrating the river's importance in shaping Waterford's identity, shipbuilding tradition and community life. Working with young people and the Friends of the River Suir, the programme laid the foundations for everything Floating Voices has become today.
HELP US BUILD THE NEXT CHAPTER
Every programme you've explored on this page has been shaped by communities, artists and scientists working together to protect Ireland's waterways.The Floating Voices barge will bring these ideas, stories and creative projects to communities across the country, becoming a travelling classroom, a showcase for community creativity and a community hub where people can learn, connect and inspire environmental action together.Help us build the barge and bring Floating Voices to every waterway in Ireland.
BE PART OF FLOATING VOICES
Whether you're an artist, scientist, educator, community group, local authority, potential funder or simply someone who cares about Ireland's waterways, we'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to take part, collaborate, support a programme or ask a question, get in touch or join our mailing list to follow the journey.
