It will be a different kind of festive season this year and at IMMA we are delighted to bring back our wonderful big Christmas tree to our Courtyard. But this year, we are adding something extra special. Taking inspiration from the ancient Irish custom of the ‘rag tree’, The People’s Tree, Ribbons & Rags merges festive glamour with folkloric tradition. We invite you to share your wishes, hopes, and dreams for the coming year by writing them on a ribbon or a rag so they can be bowed or knotted to the tree, creating a symbolic collective gesture at this exceptional time in our lives.
What you will need:
- Ribbons! Maybe you have some satin or velvet ribbon? Or do you have ribbon that is very glitzy and sparkly? Make sure the ribbon is wide enough and long enough to contain your wish, and that it has enough left at one end to tie onto the tree.
- A piece of fabric. Maybe you have a strip of fabric from something special (that you no longer wear, like an old babygro, sheet, dress etc.)
- A permanent marker or pen to write the wish. You could also embroider your wish with thread or wool.
Now, let’s get to work:
- Sit down, relax, and have a nice long think about your wish or wishes.
- Write your Christmas wish on the strip of fabric.
- Send your wish to IMMA via the options listed below.
IMMA staff will then tie your precious wish to The People’s Tree. Your wish will sparkle among the others and we hope that the magic of the season will lift your heart!
Finally, here are a number of ways to send us your wish:
Visit the Ribbons & Rags post box at IMMA:
Drop your ribbon or rag into our special Ribbons & Rags post box located in IMMA’s Courtyard.
Send your wish in the post to:
Christmas Wishes
Irish Museum of Modern Art
The Royal Hospital
Military Road
Kilmainham
Dublin D08 FW31
Submit your wish online:
If you can’t make it in person or send it by post and want to take part, please make your wish here.
We will write your message onto a ribbon for you and tie it onto the tree.
Check out IMMA’s social media channels for images of The People’s Tree over the holidays and follow the hashtag #ThePeoplesTree.
