Convergence is Cultivate's annual sustainable living festival, please contact Mike at mike@cultivate.ie or by mobile: +353 (0) 86 7835595 for further details.
Thursday 27th May
13.30 – 17.00 | €Free | Cultivate | Greening our Communities: An EPA Sponsored Green Communities Network Event
The Green Communities Network is a joint initiative of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the EPA and An Taisce to encourage the growth of green communities in Ireland. The objective of the network is to radically increase the numbers of individuals and communities living, working and playing in a more environmentally sustainable manner to bring about real and measurable reductions in environmental impact in areas such as waste, energy usage, water usage and carbon footprint.
But what are the hallmarks of a green community? There may already be communities in Ireland that are well on their way to being 'green' and environmentally sustainable. This half day session will bring together community and environmental initiatives from around Ireland to enquire into what it means to be a 'green community' and explore strategies for our communities, in the broadest sense, to become green, smart and sustainable.
20.00 – 21.30 | €10 / €5 | Cultivate | The Green New Deal from Below: Cooperative and Bottom-Up Opportunities of the Green Economy
Gavin Harte the former National Director of An Taisce and the founder of the eco-village in Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary will facilitate this panel discussion and conversation into the potential for grassroots, community and cooperative approaches to a Green New Deal. Panelists include Duncan Stewart, broadcaster and environmental activist; Ann Irwin, the National Co-ordinator of the Community Workers Cooperative; Ray Doyle from ICOS, the umbrella organisation for co-operatives in Ireland; Shirley Gallagher, a social entrepreneur and manager of the Cleantech Network supporting SMEs in Ireland; and Chris O'Leary, a former Cork City Councillor with a background in cooperatives and community organising.
Friday 28th May
Bottom of Form
09.00 – 17.00 | €60 / €40 | Cultivate | Rethinking the City - 'The Resilient City': How Do We Creatively Transform Our Cities to be Green, Smart and Sustainable? | Full Schedule & Registration Form
This conference brings together stakeholders from a wide variety of sectors for a radical rethink on how we transform our cities to be green, smart and sustainable in these challenging times.
What are the converging challenges facing our cities? What actions and changes do we need to make to future proof our buildings, develop smarter transport systems, and heat and power our neighborhoods? How do we reduce our energy dependency, reduce carbon emissions and build resilience in our cities? How do we motivate people to participate in addressing the ever more complex problems facing us today? All of this requires a systemic and multi-disciplinary approach to enable the development of sustainability and resilience in our communities. This Convergence conference brings the ideas and people together to explore how we do this.
19.30 – 21.30 | €5 | Wood Quay Venue | The Creative City – People and Places: With David Engwicht - Creative Communities International
Ever wondered what it might be like to live in a city that encourages people to reach their fullest creative potential? What would such a city look like? How would it feel to live in such a city? David Engwicht, artist, writer and street philosopher, unpacks what it takes for a city to become a creative city and why every resident has the power to make their city a place that nurtures the creativity of its residents.
The Wood Quay Venue is located in Dublin City Council Civic Offices in the heart of the city. The entrance to Wood Quay Venue is from the walkway directly behind the amphitheatre in the Civic Offices Park.
Monday 31st May
Cultivate and Tipperary Institute present…
09.00 – 17.00 | €Free | Tipperary Institute, Thurles, Co Tipperary | Rethinking Education for a Sustainable Ireland
What are the models of education we need to meet the challenges of today?
How do we transform our education system to help us move towards a sustainable Ireland?
How can we ensure that learners and educators are equipped to deal with future shocks?
This conference brings educators, learners, state and civil society organisations together to…
- Challenge the dominant educational paradigm
- Explore the education needed for developing resilience and sustainability
- Highlight and promote innovative and successful approaches to learning
Tuesday 1st June
Cultivate, Tipperary Institute, Sustainable Projects Ireland Ltd. and Carnegie UK Trust Present…
10.00 – 16.00 | €30 | St Kieran's Hall, Cloughjordan | Investing in Ourselves: Realising Jobs and Capital for Communities
This event explores how to enhance community assets and create jobs and livelihoods in our localities. Topics covered include social finance, mutuality, cooperatives, community land trusts, asset development, energy bonds and other ways for communities to invest in themselves and become economically viable. Programme includes:
- Designing Financial Institutions for a Shrinking Economy, Richard Douthwaite, FEASTA
- Identifying, Utilising and Optimising Community Assets, Kate Braithwaite, Carnegie UK Trust
- Development of Community Land Trusts, Bob Paterson, Community Finance Solutions, UK
... plus case studies, the launch of the Carnegie Manifesto for Rural Communities and a tour of the Cloughjordan Ecovillage.
