Borneo x Ireland Cultural Exchange

Borneo x Ireland Cultural Exchange
Our Story

Step into the rain forests of Borneo and the wilds of Connemara and Clare in an exhibition celebrating these unique landscapes, traditions and cultures. Captivating photographic portraits by Karen Cox and David Metcalf of forest school students with their tribal creations give us a glimpse into both worlds. This unique exhibition also includes tactile elements such as beautiful Dayak beaded jewellery, headdresses, masks and weaving.

The Borneo x Ireland Cultural Exchange is a timely partnership between the Dayak tribe of the Borneo rainforest and the Irish people, forged by Our Story founder Melanie Lynch and Indigenous activist Plorentina Dessy Elma Thyana.

This spectacular exhibition features photography of children from Arus Kualan Indigenous Schools in the Borneo rainforest, Wild Earth in Clare and Down to Earth Forest School in Connemara. The artworks were created by the children alongside Carol Barrett, Maeve Collins and Melanie Lynch.

Touch Tour available
email outreach@baboro.ie for details

Relaxed events, learn more here
Sun 11 Oct 11.00 – 12.00
Sun 18 Oct 11.00 – 12.00

Borneo x Ireland Cultural Exchange is supported by Lifes2Good Foundation, Tribal Trust Foundation, Galway City Arts Office, Clare County Council and Creative Ireland.

Melanie Lynch is an Irish curator, artist, and social innovator with a passion for Indigenous wisdom and environmental activism. She founded HerStory and now leads Our Story, an impact-driven communications consultancy in service to people and planet.

Plorentina Dessy Elma Thyana is a Dayak youth activist, educator, and chef from Tahak village, West Borneo, Indonesia. Dessy’s love for her culture inspired her to establish the Arus Kualan schools with her family, empowering 149 children to preserve their incredible Indigenous culture.

Feature Image: Karen Cox