Galway 2020 is launching the ‘Weatherproof Me! International Design Competition’, and seeking wearable designs that take advantage of, and even embrace, Galway’s weather.

Hope it Rains | Soineann nó Doineann Artistic Director Ríonach Ní Néill explains “We are looking for designs that transform our behaviour in the wind, the rain and the dark. They can be provocative, innovative, playful – and also challenge our attitudes and actions on climate change and water management.”

Speaking of the competition criteria, Co-lead Weatherproof Me! Artist Jeni Roddy said that “Irish people, including kids, are spending less time outdoors, and this is adversely affecting our physical and mental health. So we welcome unique designs that actively address our decision-making around “the weather’s rotten, will I go out or not?”

Five winners will be selected for commission to produce and deliver their designs, which will be put into use across Galway city and county. As part of Hope it Rains | Soineann nó Doineann’s programme to transform Galway’s everyday weather into performance, Weatherproof Me! will have us going out in the rain and wind to see what’s coming next.

The closing date for online applications is 12am on August 10, 2019 and all details are available on the Hope it Rains website.