Philosophy
Iomramh is a cultural association founded in Barcelona by Aodhán King and Mark Redden in 2009. The following year two new members, Ariadna Bastart and Audun Waage, joined in to participate in the organisation of events. The literal translation of Iomramh from the Gaelic is “to row”. In history it has deeper connotations. For ancient Irish monks it was a means of encountering oneself through isolation at sea. Iomramh was once a spiritual journey in a small boat without map or motor, only a pair of oars, to get closer to the meaning of life.
We aim to involve people from all nations who wish to participate in projects related to cultural exchange through different activities, for instance the construction of boats, rowing and art that is related to the sea. Through sponsored events, Iomramh aims to fulfill a cultural agenda that operates in a sustainable and community conscious way. Through the funding of artists and crafts people, we aim to promote handcraft and creative thinking. Iomramh's concept is that it is possible to channel creative energy through an entire community by engaging in projects that lead to social events, bringing people, business and art together.
Iomramh was founded under this tenet -
"If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea."
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Team Members
Ariadna Bastart Llorens was born in Barcelona and has a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Barcelona. At 22, she went to live in Ireland for four years, obtaining an MA in Irish Studies from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Since her return to Barcelona in 2003, she has worked at ASAP Worldwide, a global communications agency specialising in international media reports. In 2009, she was awarded a Diploma in Arts Administration & Cultural Management by Pompeu Fabra University. A long-held fascination with Ireland and Irish arts and culture has led her to participate in Iomramh’s projects.
Mark Redden began his interest in boat-building while working for a traditional wooden boat maker in Galway, Ireland. A job he took after completing a diploma in sculptue. From there he worked in Meitheal Mara of Cork - teaching currach makingto disadvantaged young adults and completed a degree in fine art painting and sculpture. To learn the skills involved he built his own currach. He has since built boats throughout Ireland in Barcelona and as far afield as Tasmania. As an artists he has exhibited his paintings and sculptures around the world. Mark also rows the boats he builds and trains people in the use of currachs. Born in Dublin, he now lives and works in Barcelona. He has built three currachs at his studio, which are used on the Mediterranean.
Audun Waage was born in Bergen (Norway) and works as a professional trumpet player. He started playing music at age 3. He has recorded and toured with many famous names of jazz and pop in all 5 continents. Audun got involved in rowing as a kid. Growing up by the coast his parents used to take him out fishing. He mainly rowed traditional Norwegian boats, like Askeladden or Oselver. After spending 8 years in London with no sea nearby, moving to Barcelona in 2008 offered the opportunity of combining sport and sea. It was a most pleasant surprise for him when he was asked to take part in currach activities, and that has now become an essential part of his life in Barcelona.
Aodhan King is originally from Dublin in Ireland and has been a Barcelona resident since 2006. He has an BSc and MBA from Trinity College in Dublin and teaches graduate students at a number of universities in Spain, Iceland and Ireland as well as managing his own professional coaching business. With a keen interest in Irish culture and maritime history, Aodhan’s involvement with Iomramh began with a shared vision of bringing boatbuilding to the Mediterranean which helped launch the 1st Currach Regatta in Barcelona. Aodhan is currently working on the planning for the Galway Hooker project as well as supporting the ongoing development of Iomramh.