A quirky art installation is sure to bring a smile to the face of visitors to Galway during the Volvo Ocean Race, as well as promoting a green message.
The European Recycling Platform, Ireland’s only pan-European scheme for recycling electronic and battery waste, is supporting the creation of the art piece by Donnacha Cahill and Moss Gaynor. Entitled ‘A Bit of Quack with ERP’, the installation consists of a six foot tall metal rubber duck ‘floating’ in a cast-iron bath atop a plinth of old washing machines.
The sculpture will be created over a seven day period at the Global Village during the festival. The artists will use forging techniques as they work recycled metal and other materials, in what is sure to a be a theatrical spectacle. They will also be raising funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.
The resulting installation will act as an inspiration to the expected 850,000 visitors to the festival, raising awareness if the importance of recycling electrical and battery waste.
CEO of ERP Ireland Martin Tobin said that the organisation was delighted to involved with the project.
“We are delighted to be involved with this art instillation at the Volvo Ocean Race,” he said. “Donnacha and Moss’s sculpture will provide a motivating visual representation of the importance of electrical waste recycling and environmental awareness. We hope it will encourage people to reconsider their attitude towards the environment, as well as having ‘A Bit of Quack’ and raising money for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.”
Ciara Sherlock, programme manager for the Global Village, said the sculpture’s message fitted in with the ideals of the Volvo Ocean Race.
“The promotion
of environmental awareness and sustainability is the theme of the Global Village at the Volvo Ocean Race,” she said. “The involvement of ERP gives great weight to this message and we are delighted that it is being highlighted in such an engaging and interactive manner. We would encourage attendees to come down and watch Donnacha and Moss in action and hopefully pick up some recycling tips and information at the same time.” The build takes place from July 2 until 8. For more information about the ERP, see www.erp-recycling.ie
