As part of our 2026 programme, Clonmel Applefest have been investigating the care landscape of Clonmel with visual arts & creative writing workshops in a number of community care settings. The project, a collaboration between visual artist & graphic designer Paul Bokslag, writing facilitator & poet Sean O’Connor and Applefest Director Theresia Guschlbauer; aimed to create connection and link the disparate parts of the larger Clonmel care community in its varied and different contexts, bringing carers and service users to the fore, making more visible the work being done behind the scenes and its value and importance within our society. The process culminates with an illustrated publication, together they explored the intricacies and dynamics of care with carers and service users, Paul using the wax resist technique to help unveil vibrant images of what it is we care for, followed by Sean’ O Connor’s unpacking the theme further with an artistic exploration of care through the Japanese poetry short-form of Tanka and Haiku.  The book is further enhanced by the contribution of nine community writers who took part in a writing masterclass led by Sean O’Connor at which they fine-tuned their essay and prose editing skills.