Mami Wata: Mmiri niile

About the exhibition

In 2021, as part of a Creative Residency in Art & Sport, Muotto issued a callout to women of African descent from across Dublin, with an invitation to join a learn-to-swim group with a difference.

The aim was to address some of the racial, ethnic and cultural barriers faced by many people when it comes to accessing Dublin's public swimming pools.

Not only would the group receive free weekly lessons but there would also be a creative element, where the women could share their experiences of water, their fears, and their journey to becoming swimmers.

Eight participants joined, all women of African descent, from countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Togo. Many of them had never been in a pool or swam in the sea before.

Working with the artist and a professional instructor, the women gradually learned to swim at bespoke lessons in Ballymun pool and Clontarf Baths.

They documented their experiences in creative ways and shared stories of their relationship to water.

The exhibition ‘Mami Wata: Mmiri niile’ weaves their voices together with traditional folklore, in a unique and immersive experience that brings the sea to Sean McDermott Street.

Mami Wata: Mmiri niile is part of our Creative Residency in Art and Sport, a Creative Residency made by Dublin City Council Culture Company in partnership with the Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership.

Thank you to Dublin City Council for facilitating this use of Sean McDermott Street Swimming Pool while they complete final preparations for its reopening as a public pool.

We welcome sports clubs, schools and community groups for a free group tour of the exhibition, contact neighbourhood@dublincitycouncilculturecompany.ie to arrange.

How to get there

Sean McDermott Street is in Dublin 1, just off Gardiner Street Lower.

It can be easily reached from O’Connell Street (approx 10 min walk).

You can use this Google Maps link to see the exact location and plan your journey:

Accessibility

• The venue is wheelchair accessible, however, there is a small part of the exhibition on the first floor that is only accessible via stairs.
• Large print text available
• Our social narrative will be available to download here if you or someone you’re accompanying would like to understand what the exhibition experience will be like before arriving

Events and Engagement

Culture Club, Wednesday 28 June, 12:00 noon Culture Club is a series of hosted talks and tours that introduce and encourage people to connect with the cultural spaces of the city. We invite people to see, experience and learn about Dublin’s cultural places. Join us for a tour of Mami Wata: Mmiri niile.

Book Culture Club here.

Community Visits

We invite community groups and sports clubs to visit the exhibition at a time that suits you. To book, please contact Evan Musgrave at neighbourhood@dublincitycouncilculturecompany.ie or 083 010 5287.