Foyle Valley
The River Foyle is the focus of the Derry National Cycle Network (Route 93), connecting the historic walled city of Londonderry to border towns Lifford and Strabane. The project centred on two sections of route that follow the line of abandoned railways; on the east side of the river the cycle path runs south towards Prehen and Newbuildings, whilst on the west bank it runs south into the countryside towards the Donegal border.
Artist
Noah Rose developed the overarching concept specifying that all artworks should contain two halves, each half to be sited on opposite river banks, thus people must visit both sides to understand the whole artwork. The concept cleverly parallels the North South political divide in Ireland.
Third Bridge by Noah Rose
Two viewing structures made from a disused railway foot-bridge cut in half; each half installed opposite the other, cantilevered out over the river to form a bisected bridge across the River Foyle.
At night the empty span is connected by a laser light, a virtual bridge, to symbolise the uniting of the divided halves.
Educational Programme
Artists Marcella Ferguson, Colin Dark, Denzil Brown, Martha Lucas, Sarah Greavu, Brian McGhee worked with paired cross community schools on the Foyle Valley path to explore and respond to the river environment. David Kinnane, Naill Walsh, Paddy Bloomer, Marie Louise Blaney and Noah Rose worked with community groups to develop ideas in relation to the project.
This project was possible through support from Derry County Council, Arts Council Northern Ireland, National Lottery Award, Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (Creativity Seed Fund), and Education for Mutual Understanding.