A NEW smartphone app which aims to educate people on how the future of Derry might be shaped by weather and climate change will be launched later this week.
The app, titled Almanac for a Walled City, uses geolocation technology to provide listeners with information as they walk along the city’s 400-year-old walls.
Described as an interactive “sound artwork”, the app will be launched at Derry’s Nerve Centre on Saturday, and is the creation of artist Christopher Steenson.
It draws inspiration from the use of historical almanacs and weather forecasting in Irish history, and speculates on how climate may impact Derry in the years ahead.
Mr Steenson carried out field recordings along Derry’s walls to create the app, and also interviewed city residents on their memories of weather in decades gone by.
The project was supported by the Republic’s Electricity Supply Board (ESB) through its Brighter Future Arts Fund, which aims to deliver creative projects that promote awareness of climate change and sustainability.
“With Almanac for a Walled City, I’ve been exploring the ways in which the climate crisis has been created, with particular reference to Derry and its industrial past,” Mr Steenson told The Irish News.
“But this artwork is also about looking forward. By thinking about our historical relationship with the weather, we can imagine new and optimistic futures. I’m hoping that this artwork can be part of that dialogue.”
The app will be available to download for iOS and Android phones on Friday.
The Nerve Centre’s Niall Kerr said: “The app is a creative journey developed by Christopher that will bring a fresh perspective to how visitors can enjoy the city’s iconic walls and we’re excited to see how people respond and engage with the experience.”
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