Casadh Crew

Dunne worked with artist Michelle Browne on a participatory art project with Casadh, a drugs rehabilitation programme based in Dublin 8. Over a number of weeks, the group wrote, recorded and produced a CD of songs about well-known local figures such as Forty Coats and Bang Bang. The project also explored the oral traditions of local storytelling, with many of these figures being the subject of folklore going back generations. Irish singer Christy Moore visited the group, performed his songs and shared song-writing advice.

The CD sleeve included photographs of people from the local community that were taken by Dunne. The project had a number of positive effects on the group with many reporting an increased pride in their area and an added sense of community and camaraderie, which added another dimension to their recovery. The work was exhibited in the stable yard at IMMA with one of the group participants performing at its opening and CDs being sold.