CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices at NUI Galway has released a short film documenting the CÚRAM community art science commission by artist, Karen Conway for Ballybane and Doughiska. The film, created by the filmmakers, Alice McDowell and Julie Flavin, features the artist, Karen Conway, CÚRAM researchers, Dr Pau Redon Lurbe, and community member, Liam Boyle. The commissioned works will be installed in their permanent locations in the Ballybane Library, the Ard Family Resource Centre, and the Merlin College school, in 2021. See the film here https://vimeo.com/488543428.
Images of Karen’s work were projected onto Comerford House, the Spanish Arch, and at the Castle Building, Brothers of Charity, Ballybane as part of National Science Week and the Galway Science and Technology Festival on November 14th.
Award winning artist, Karen Conway, was selected in 2019 to create the CÚRAM community art science commission for the east side communities of Ballybane and Doughiska. Karen worked closely with Dr Pau Redon Lurbe, a CÚRAM researchers working with Professor Williams Wijns. Prof Wijns is an expert in cardiology and is leading a research project to develop wearable sensors to alert patients at high risk of heart attacks to triggers such as stress or high blood pressure.
In addition to cardiovascular research, Karen also looked at staining techniques with Dr Jill McMahon, while Dr Olena Kudina helped Karen with research in the CÚRAM labs. As part of the community art science commission, Karen delivered workshops at the Ballybane Library, Ard Family Resource Centres and at Merlin College School. Karen also incorporated the theme of active travel into her work for the commission following a meeting with community representatives.
CÚRAM’s public engagement programme ‘Breaking Barriers’ supports the Science Foundation Ireland goal of having the most engaged and scientifically informed public. For more information please visit www.curamdevicesengage.ie or follow us on twitter @CURAMdevices