Ports, Past and Present is bringing life and colour to the five ports of the Irish Sea Basin, enhancing the experience of modern travellers of all ages and interests, and encouraging visitors to spend longer exploring the port towns and their environs. As part of this project, we have commissioned writers and visual artists to work with the port communities and project staff, and explore stories and themes relevant to the history and culture of the five port towns and the journeys made across the Irish Sea.

To learn more about the creative practitioners and their work, click on their names below:

The creative work arising from this research and engagement is being displayed and exhibited locally and further afield, with the support of the project team, and in some cases, local partners. Some the work generated will be displayed permanently in the local area, for example in local libraries, heritage centres, port terminals or railway stations. Reproductions or mediations of the work will be included in one or more publications documenting the work and the creative process, and on this website.

The purpose of this work is to both deepen the knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture of the five port towns and crossings among local communities. During the process of making the work, artists and writers are taking part in public workshops or events organised by the project team. These activities and events are being supported and publicised by the project team, and designed to help raise the profile of the participating writers and artists, both locally and further afield. The writers and artists have been working with each other and sharing their work in a series of Port Fests and exhibitions, making connections across the Irish Sea.