21 February – 12 April 2026
Project Groundswell, a major European visual arts initiative that asks a simple question: what does climate action actually look like?
Announcing the Irish premiere of Project Groundswell, a major European visual arts initiative, led by Photo Museum Ireland. that harnesses the power of photography to illuminate climate action.
Developed through an EU-wide open call that received over 500 submissions, the heart of the exhibition displays projects by four Project Groundswell Award Winners, who have been selected for extended residencies and curatorial mentorship with partner organisations across Europe. Alongside the exhibition four bespoke limited-edition photobooks launch, showcasing the winning works and further supporting these artists.
The exhibition includes curated displays by four of the winning artists Yvette Monahan (IE) The Ocean Within | Ingmar Björn Nolting (DE) Eviction | Maria Oliveira (PT) Bone Foam | Gonçalo Fonseca (PT) A Burning Landscape
Showcase Award Winners:
Chloé Azzopardi (FR) Non-Technological Devices | Marco Buratti (IT) U-Turn | Sean Charlton White (NL) Climate Banter | Matjaz Krivic (SL) Coming Clean | Marrese + Chiapparini (IT) The Observer Effect | Oliver Ressler (AT) The Path is Never the Same | Nora Schwarz (DE) Songs of the Taiga | Adam Sébire (NO) Beniamina
Alongside the gallery exhibition, a large-scale outdoor projection brings the heart of Dublin City to life, showcasing the work of eight Showcase Award Winners in Meeting House Square.
Project Groundswell is defined by its refusal of easy narratives. The artists’ works are selected for their critical intelligence and analytical depth, engaging directly with the realities of climate response as it is lived and negotiated. The exhibition counters apathy by making visible the choices and tensions shaping our present.
Above: Bone Foam ©Maria Oliviera
Banner: The Ocean Within © Yvette Monahan
Learn more about our Europe-wide Project Groundswell Partnership
Free Public Siscussion
Photography & Climate Action
Join us for a public discussion on Photography & Climate Action, with speakers international speakers on art & environment.
Project Groundswell Award Winners
Gonçalo Fonseca
PORTUGAL
Burning Landscape
Yvette Monahan
IRELAND
The Ocean Within
Ingmar Björn Nolting
GERMANY
Eviction //umlaut
Maria Oliveira
PORTUGAL
Bone Foam
Award Winners Photobooks
Four artists. Four stunning books. Years of work brought into an impressive collection.
As part of Project Groundswell, Photo Museum Ireland supported the creation of four bespoke photobooks, working with the artists to refine design, editing, printing and international distribution in sustainable ways.
Each book reflects the depth of the artist’s research and process, offering another way to encounter the work beyond our exhibition space. Publishing sits at the centre of how we support photographic practice. These books hold the full scale of the artists’ research and image-making, offering a different encounter with the work beyond the gallery.
Limited edition. Available now through the Photo Museum Ireland Bookshop.
Showcase Award Winners
Chloé Azzopardi
FRANCE
Non-Technological Devices
Marco Buratti
ITALY
U-Turn
Sean Charlton White
Netherlands
Climate Banter
Matjaz Krivic
SLOVENIA
Coming Clean
Camilla Marrese & Gabriele Chiapparini
ITALY
The Observer Effect
Oliver Ressler
AUSTRIA
The Path is Never the Same
Nora Schwarz
DENMARK
Songs of the Taiga
Adam Sébire
NORWAY
Beniamina
Project Groundswell reflects Photo Museum Ireland’s strategic focus on contemporary photography as a critical, internationally engaged practice.
This initiative positions the artform as a decisive tool for examining how environmental change is understood, negotiated and acted upon today. By working across exhibition, publication and public realm installation, Project Groundswell reinforces our commitment to sustained artistic practice, international exchange and ambitious cultural programming. It is part of an ongoing programme that places photography in dialogue with urgent social and environmental realities.
© Maija Tammi
Developed through an EU-wide open call that received over 500 submissions
The work of all 12 artists will also be shown in a large-scale outdoor public screening event in Meeting House Square on March 5th. The exhibition, screenings, schools programme and public engagement events mark the culmination of Project Groundswell – a two-year European collaboration led by Photo Museum Ireland with partners in Portugal, Italy and Austria.
© Maija Tammi
Photo Museum Ireland
Photo Museum Ireland is Ireland’s national centre for contemporary photography. We are dedicated to advancing the development, appreciation and understanding of photography and visual culture across Ireland. We connect diverse audiences with inspirational and exciting photography and visual culture.
Fotohof
A dynamic collective established in 1981 FOTOHOF operates Austria’s most active centre for contemporary photography exhibitions, archival projects, education and publications. Fotohof has a clear Europe-wide focus, showing around 50% Austrian artists, 40% rest of Europe, and 10% rest of the world.
Cortona On The Move
Nestled in the ancient Tuscan hills, Cortona On The Move was founded in 2011 by the cultural association ON THE MOVE, whose goal is to disseminate and promote contemporary photography. From the outset, the festival has championed contemporary photography, promoting innovative interpretations of the medium’s language and codes. Each year, from July to November, it attracts a growing audience with its dynamic programme and high-quality exhibitions.
Imago Lisboa
Photo Festival is organized by Cedilhas e Legendas – a non-profit cultural association. We are a group of people who use the visual arts, and particularly photography, as their tool for cultural activism. With different paths in the cultural area, our common interest in images brought us together and awakened the desire to move forward with this project.
Project Groundswell is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Events/Workshops
12:00 am to
Sunday, 12 April 2026
Photo Museum Ireland
Project Groundswell, a major European visual arts initiative that asks a simple question: what does climate action actually look like? This exhibition harnesses the power of photography to illuminate climate action, making it particularly relevant and educational for young audiences. The exhibition will be open 21 February to 12 April for schools and youth groups to book free guided tours.
To book your tour email [email protected]
Cost : Free
5:30 pm to 6:15 pm
Thursday, 5 March 2026
Photo Museum Ireland
Project Groundswell, a major European visual arts initiative that asks a simple question: what does climate protection actually look like?
Join us for a public discussion on Photography & Climate Action, with speakers Shirley Clerkin, environmental advisor to Project Groundswell, Veronica Nicolardi, curator, Cortona On The Move, Nadine Weixler, curator, Fotohof and Rui Prata, curator, Imago Lisboa.