What is Testing the Waters?
Testing the Waters is a community-led art and science project responding to local concerns about climate change, biodiversity loss, and water quality. The project brings together artists, scientists, and residents of Westport, Ireland to explore the role of nature and sustainability in Irish towns, starting with the Carrowbeg River.
This project was developed in response to a direct request from the local community to take meaningful, creative action on local environmental issues.
Testing the Waters is funded by the Research Ireland Discover Programme.
Artwork: Flotilla 2025
At the heart of the project is a floating art installation called Flotilla 2025. This temporary public artwork will appear on the Carrowbeg River along the Mall during Ireland’s Heritage Week which will run from the 16th to the 24th of August.
Six floating rafts will be moored along the river as though returning from sea. Each raft holds a sculpture inspired by native river plants or species that indicate good water quality. These ghost-like, mirrored forms reflect the town, the river, and the people looking on, while also symbolising what’s missing: a rich, healthy river ecosystem.
The sculptures are made from perspex mirrors, wire, and recycled metal, allowing light to pass through and interact with the water. After the installation, the rafts will be taken apart and repurposed in local gardens or public spaces.
Citizen Science Programme
The project includes a citizen science program that invites the public to help monitor the health of the local river. This is conducted with the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO).
So far, we have organised a water testing day with members of Westport Tidy Towns. Additionally, 20 residents travelled upstream on the Carrowbeg River to conduct water tests at 3 to 4 different sites. The goal is to determine whether signs of good water quality decrease as we move closer to the town centre.
More citizen science activities will take place during and after the art installation in August 2025, providing hands-on opportunities for the community to engage in environmental monitoring and action.
Public Talks & Events
To deepen the conversation, a programme of public talks and workshops will take place throughout August, with a focus around Heritage Week (August 16–24).
Topics will include:
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Architectural Conservation
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Irish Biodiversity and Heritage
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Rewilding in Towns
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Art and Climate
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Westport’s History and Slave Profits
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Nature-Based Solutions in Engineering
Talks will be held in various venues across Westport and will feature guest speakers from across Ireland.
We’ve also launched a pop-up display in Westport Library to raise awareness about the project and start local conversations.
Check out our slides from the Heritage Week talks
