This event has ended
Sean McDermott Street Swimming Pool, Saturday 24th June - Wednesday 28th June
In 2021, as part of a Creative Residency in Art & Sport, Muotto issued a callout to women of African descent from across Dublin, with an invitation to join a learn-to-swim group with a difference.
The aim was to address some of the racial, ethnic and cultural barriers faced by many people when it comes to accessing Dublin's public swimming pools.
Not only would the group receive free weekly lessons but there would also be a creative element, where the women could share their experiences of water, their fears, and their journey to becoming swimmers.
Eight participants joined, all women of African descent, from countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Togo. Many of them had never been in a pool or swam in the sea before.
Working with the artist and a professional instructor, the women gradually learned to swim at bespoke lessons in Ballymun pool and Clontarf Baths. They documented their experiences in creative ways and shared stories of their relationship to water.
The exhibition ‘Mami Wata: Mmiri niile’ weaves their voices together with traditional folklore, in a unique and immersive experience that brings the sea to Sean McDermott Street.
Mami Wata: Mmiri niile is part of our Creative Residency in Art and Sport, a Creative Residency made by Dublin City Council Culture Company in partnership with the Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership.
- Date:
- Saturday 24th June - Wednesday 28th June
- Time:
- 11.00am
- Price:
- Free
- Address:
- Sean McDermott Street Pool, Sean Macdermott Street Lower, Mountjoy, Dublin, Ireland
