LAUNCH OF PARACHUTE PROJECT

Riverbank Arts Centre and Kildare County Council Arts Service have launched The Parachute Project, a six-week collaboration led by Brian Cregan with TY students from Curragh Community College. 

Combining art, science and engineering, the programme included workshops, off-site sessions and Dublin gallery visits. Students explored photography’s origins, cyanotype printing and the Curragh’s heritage, experimenting with light and materials while shaping the parachute design and choosing individual prints on T-shirts and tote bags. 

Cregan said: “Growing up between Newbridge and the Curragh, I’ve always felt connected to this landscape; the project weaves local heritage and cyanotypes with young energy.” Watching Curragh Community College’s Transition Year students take ownership of their designs and collaborate was a highlight; their parachute became a shared canvas of teamwork. “I am proud of their achievement and grateful to textile designer Aideen Cross, Riverbank Arts Centre and Kildare County Council Arts Service for realising it.”  Cross spent three weeks guiding pattern cutting, sewing and reinforcement for a safe launch. 

Kildare filmmaker Richard Lennon documented the project; his short film, featuring interviews and the Newbridge Town Hall launch, will be screened privately at Riverbank on 16 September for students, families and guests. 

Éilis Lavelle, Arts Officer for Kildare County Council, praised the initiative as a meaningful, skill-building journey. 

During Culture Night 2026, the parachute will be displayed in Riverbank’s foyer and the film screened from 4–8 pm; all are welcome.

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