The Somnambulance is a mobile programme of free, creative, participatory arts, health and climate-themed activities lead by Réalta Artist in Residence Siobhán Clancy. The Somnambulance is for everyone who feels tired, but wants to resist sleepwalking further into climate disaster caused by treating symptoms instead of changing systems. Activities will include regenerative approaches that go beyond sustainability and allow us to wake up with hope, energy and imagination for the health of ourselves and our earth. All activities will be co-facilitated by Siobhán, an artist and cancer survivor living with fatigue, and guest collaborators.
The first event in The Somnambulance programme is an all-day drop-in event on Wednesday 10 December at the Réalta Centre for Arts + Health at University Hospital Waterford. Open to everyone who is interested, all activities are optional. Come for the craic and leave recharged!
Visible Mending Drop-in Day | Wednesday 10 December 2025
RestLore | Réalta Conservatory and Library | 10am-5pm
– Take some time out in the hectic Christmas period in our quiet space to take a break, nap, relax, read or recharge.
– Check out selected readings on climate and creativity.
– Listen to extracts from collected myths and lore on the power of rest curated by the artist. Add a story you know of in the RestLore Dream Journal.
This space can be reserved in advance for one person, for up to one hour, on a first-come, first-served basis. Text Siobhán on 085 7067510 by 5pm on 09 December. Quiet space also available on request from 5pm-8pm.
Merrow on the Monitor | Réalta Artist Studio | 10am – 8pm
– Check out a pop-up exhibition about a hospital gown which was transformed to produce a unique medical scan by the artist during her own radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Design your own hospital gown to add to the gallery of mythical medical garb.
– Take a selfie in the ‘Scars are Sexy’ photobooth, compare notes on your experience of surgery, share patient wisdom on self-managed aftercare, have fun designing a temporary tattoo.
Eco Stitch and Bitch | Réalta Multi-Use Studio | 2pm – 5pm
– Reclaim beloved garments with our Visible Mending Kit and easy DIY instructions.
– Find out how knot tying is practiced by local makers, from fishers and sailors, to scouts and surgeons.
– Hear about the work of the Dungarvan Women’s Shed, including their Blankets of Hope initiative for hospices and palliative care services in Waterford County.
– Bring needles and knot-makers, grab a cuppa and sit in for a good Stitch and Bitch on where the materials that make our products come from, what the ethical implications in continuing to make and use them are, how they impact on our health, why we feel the need for so much ‘stuff’ in the first place, and ask what can we do to change our culture of consumerism?
For further information please email info@realta.ie or phone 051 842664.
