The Artitude project is currently in a transitional phase whilst we plan for our next community engagement projects, however we have some exciting interviews lined up to celebrate Repair Week next month.  As Repair Week coincides with International Women’s Day, we are delighted to bring you interviews with 5 incredible women who have not only been involved with the Artitude project, but who are champions of the circular economy.

First up we have Caroline McGuinness-Brooks, founder and director of Repair and Share Foyle. Repair and Share Foyle is focused on delivering waste reducing initiatives with community based repair at its core.  With monthly repair cafes and new tool and equipment libraries, their mission is to unite communities while promoting a circular economy, where resources are reused and repaired rather than discarded.   As a former NIRN colleague, Caroline has been involved with the Artitude project for a number of years offering support and guidance to the team.

Next we have Deidre Williams from Stitch Saves Nine, sustainable fashion, textiles and retail consultants, working with textile businesses, start-ups, social enterprises and all levels of education.  Deidre has been working with NIRN to deliver the first ever repair week with valuable insights into sustainability and social responsibility.

Maeve Leahy, local actor, singer, facilitator and member of Zero Waste North West, has been involved with the Artitude project in many forms.  From leading workshops and story telling sessions with her characters Loopy Lou and Linny Bin, Maeve has brought the ethos of Artitude to children and young people across the Derry and Strabane district.

The wonderful Marcella Di Palo joined us to share her story of working on the Artitude project.  She attended a conversation cafe to join others in discussing climate, culture and circularity, and from this ‘Story of a Jumper’ was born.  Marcella wrote and narrated the animation to encourage people to explore their connection with ‘things’ rather than being part of the throw away culture.

Our final interview was with NIRN Executive Director Eimear Montague who has worked with the Artitude project since its inception.  As a long time champion of rethink, reuse and repair, Eimear’s work with the Artitude Partners has been vital to the project's success over its lifetime.

Keep an eye on NIRN’s social media during Repair week for a new interview to be released daily.