NATURE SQUARED

The exhibition tells the story of an extraordinary collaborative attempt between adults with disabilities, TY students and artists to survey, map and document plant biodiversity along a 6 km length of the river Dodder, using the scientific tool of the quadrat as a framing device to highlight the beauty of nature while fostering scientific curiosity, environmental awareness, and collective climate action.

Throughout the spring and summer of 2026, artists Anne Cleary and Denis Connolly undertook numerous field trips along the Dodder with users of Cheeverstown services for adults with disabilities and pupils from Saint MacDara’s Community College to survey the biodiversity of the river.

The exhibition, which presents the results, and includes art co-created with participants as well as maps, video and photography, is commissioned by South Dublin County Council for IN CONTEXT 5 — Connect, South Dublin County Council’s Public art programme under the Per Cent for Art Scheme.