(Waste) Fibre Flows Laboratory

(Waste) Fibre Flows Laboratory is an experimental space designed to explore interdisciplinary approaches to our complex relationship with waste materials. This interdisciplinary laboratory brings together policy, philosophy, speculative design, and hands-on material processes to engage in collaborative investigations into sustainability and resourcefulness.

A public performative action took place in Cork City Council Chamber at City Hall in November 2022. This event featured textile artists Helen O’Shea and Caroline Smith, alongside urban theorist Roy Wroth, as we examined together the resource potential of textile waste. This served as a case study and a catalyst for conversation with invited local policymakers, environmentalists, and community representatives, all of whom were engaged in exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by textile waste.

The outcomes of this research were presented in exhibitions at Tentacular Thinking at the James Barry Exhibition Centre, MTU Cork, and the Staying with the Trouble Symposium at the Rory Gallagher Theatre, MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork, 2023.
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(Waste) Fibre Flows Laboratory was created by Colette Lewis as part of an Artist Placement with The KinShip Project, a durational public artwork situated in Tramore Valley Park—a remediated landfill site now functioning as a public park. The project, led by artists LennonTaylor in partnership with Cork City Council, is funded by the Creative Ireland Climate Action Award.