As part of Irish Design Week 2024, Common Knowledge proposes a 2-day retreat in Clare, bringing together experts in food systems + people working in the community.

A weekend of panel discussions, workshop, meals and coming together to imaging new ways of community growing in Ireland.

Join Common Knowledge for a weekend of community events as part of Design Week 2024. These events will explore the future of local food systems in Ireland, focusing on sustainable community gardens and how we can reconnect to our food sources.

Event Overview:

On the 9th and 10th of November are bringing together local farmers, community gardeners, and experts in sustainable food systems to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore bold, creative solutions for a more resilient, community-centered food future in Clare.

Special Thanks To

Additional Information

• Advanced booking required
• Suitable for all age groups
• Wheelchair accessible

Themes: 

1. Immersion in Local Sustainable Food Systems: Participants will explore where the local food system stands today, from the practicalities of community gardens to policy-driven barriers. What are people’s connections to food in their everyday lives? 

1. Defining Problems: We will delve into people’s concerns surrounding food—whether it’s access, sustainability, or nutrition. Through creative exercises and open dialogue, we’ll clarify these issues from various perspectives. 

1. Imagination for the Future: In this speculative phase, we will dream of bold and innovative solutions to build more resilient food systems in Ireland. What does an ideal food system future look like, and how can we get there? 

Key Questions for Exploration: 

1. How do people in Clare currently relate to food? 

• Where do they get it? 

• What does local, sustainable food mean to them? 

• What are their barriers to accessing sustainable food? 

1. What are the major concerns people have about food? 

• Are they concerned with sustainability, health, or access? 

1. What systems and regulations currently hinder or support food access and sustainability in Ireland? 

1. How can we return to a more community-centered food system? 

1. How can bold, speculative design solutions help reimagine the food future in Clare? 

If your event spans a number days please give a concise breakdown of open days and times below 

Activities Outline: 

Day 0: Gathering Community  

• Arriving evening of 9th November: Participants share a meal of local grown produce together onsite at Common Knowledge 

Day 1: Immersion and Problem Definition 

• Morning: Introduction to Local Food Systems 

• Panel Discussion: Experts, such as representatives from Moyhill Farm, Local community Garden and Clare County Council, will provide context on the state of local food systems. Data and stories from Clare will centre the conversation. 

• Afternoon: Community Feedback Sessions 

• Small group sessions with participants, including community garden volunteers, residents, and local farmers, to hear their perspectives. This session will include “public experts” like residents who have on-the-ground experience. 

• Rooting Community Potluck Dinner: Common Knowledge will invite the local community for a potluck dinner event residency participants we will be inviting attendees with a particular interest in community growing, food systems and community organising. The Food event in an in person networking event to support the development of new community food networks in Clare. 

Day 2: Residency Participants Imagination and Creative Exploration Session 

• Morning: Collaborative Problem Solving 

• Residency Participants Workshop: Using the findings from Day 1, we will engage in a creative workshop to explore the boldest possible ideas for addressing identified barriers. 

• Afternoon: Creative Making 

• Residency Participants Workshop: An afternoon of creative speculative design activities, envisioning future food systems through models, drawings, or other creative mediums.  

DAY 2: Evening  

• Participants Leave 

Outcomes: 

1. Proposals for Future Action: Ideas for new community initiatives, education programs, or policy suggestions that can strengthen the local food system. 

1. Local Engagement: The residency will produce insights from community members and public experts on the challenges they face in connecting to food and local systems. 

1. Creative Outputs: Speculative designs and models that imagine bold, community-led solutions for food access and sustainability in Clare. 

Public Events: 

As part of the retreat Common Knowledge will host public-facing events including: 

• Panel Discussion Day 1:
  An open panel discussion event featuring experts from the retreat, where key findings and proposed solutions to the housing crisis will be discussed. 

• Rooting Community Day 1: Common Knowledge will invite the local community for a potluck dinner event residency participants we will be inviting attendees with a particular interest in community growing, food systems and community organising. The Food event is an in person networking event to support the development of new community food networks in Clare. 

Residency Participants TBC: