Hunt Museum and Mary Immaculate College join forces for Limerick Culture and Climate Conference 

 Limerick Culture and Climate Conference – Artists, climate ambassadors, environmentalists, thinkers and doers will gather to inspire action and offer hope 

Limerick Culture and Climate Conference takes place at Istabraq Hall February 23, 2024

The Hunt Museum, in collaboration with Mary Immaculate College (MIC), is proud to announce the “Nights Candles are Burnt Out” Culture & Climate Conference will take place on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Limerick City & County Council’s Istabraq Hall.  The conference is an extension of the dialogue initiated by the Hunt Museum’s current exhibition which is focused on the pioneering spirit of Ireland regarding renewable energy resources, and has been designed to generate positive action, related to the 2021 Climate Action Plan, beyond the exhibition. 

Irish stand-up comedian, bestselling author, award-winning broadcaster Colm O’Regan will headline the one-day conference which features a range of speakers from business, the media, policy-making, and academia to discuss climate issues, challenges and solutions. Jo Linehan, Sustainability Futurist, editor of CLIMATE Sunday Times Ireland, and Founder of GAFF Shop, will serve as the conference’s master of ceremonies. 

Through keynote speeches, panel discussions and a World Café, the conference will delve into the strategies and actions needed to help Ireland achieve its targets and commitments from the 2021 Climate Action Plan, to halving greenhouse emissions by 2030, to achieving Net Zero by 2050.  The discussions will revolve around accelerating the adoption of legislation and transformative technologies to be able to drive meaningful change.  

Jill Cousins, Director of The Hunt Museum, said, “The ‘Nights Candles are Burnt Out’ Culture & Climate Conference is a natural extension of our desire to drive positive change with our communities. The aim is to offer hope based on positive actions. It’s about looking at the solutions within our grasp, removing the fear associated with change, and using culture as a powerful platform that not only encourages but propels transformative change.” 

“By partnering with Mary Immaculate College, we can foster a dynamic dialogue with key stakeholders while inspiring practical actions towards a sustainable future. We’re thrilled to present such a stellar line-up of speakers and look forward to announcing more in the New Year,” she continued. 

Nights Candles Are Burnt Out: Climate, Culture, Change and Community | Group Exhibition at The Hunt Museum https://t.co/W0t4bX8iof pic.twitter.com/AAWmekAUzM— VisualArtistsIreland (@VisArtsIreland) September 28, 2023

Dr John Morrissey, Lecturer in Geography, Mary Immaculate College, said “In addressing climate change, community engagement is crucial. We’re delighted to partner with the Hunt Museum for this transformative conference and look forward to bringing so many diverse stakeholders together to share insights, explore opportunities and provide attendees with tangible steps to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.” 

The conference will be preceded by four Culture & Climate Action Seminars on 1^st, 8^th, 15^th and 22^nd February. Taking place in the Hunt Museum, the seminars will focus on Community, Policy & Education, Culture and Saving the Planet. For more, see www.huntmuseum.com 

Seminar 1: Thursday 1 February 17:30 – 19:00

Community & Climate

Kieran Reeves & Darren Barry  – “Speeding up local change”.

Seminar 2: Thursday 8 February 17:30 – 19:00

Policy & Education

Dr John Morrissey & Emma Gleeson – “Effecting policy and educational change”.

Seminar 3: Thursday 15 February 17:30 – 19:00

Culture & Climate

Dr Yvonne Fogarty-Ryan & Dr Daniel Vázquez – “A cultural shift – economically and philosophically”.

Seminar 4: Thursday 22 February 17:30 – 19:00

Saving the Planet

Dr. Niall Dunphy & Dr. Breffní Lennon – “Be a good citizen”.

Dr. Tara Shine – (Change by Degrees) – “How to change your planet one step at a time”.

Booking is necessary: Tickets €7:50 (€20 for all 4)

Concession, Senior, Student, Unemployed €3 (€10 for all 4)

Conference details: 

Title: Nights Candles are Burnt Out –Culture & Climate Conference 

Date: February 23, 2024 

Location: Limerick Council’s Istabraq Hall 

Tickets: €35pp / Students €5 available HERE

Speakers confirmed to date include: 

• Colm O’Regan, Comedian and author of the best-selling book Climate Worrier  
• Eoghan Daltun, Rewilding campaigner and author of An Irish Atlantic Rainforest 
• Brian Ó Gallachóir, Director of MaREI and Professor of Energy Engineering at UCC 
• Artist Niamh Schmidtke 
• John Morrissey, Mary Immaculate College
• MC: Jo Linehan, Sustainability Futurist

More events HERE