Tea by Post is a pilot seed-sharing project set up in early 2021, led by Kildare-based artist Brenda Kearney. In response to an initial call for participation, members of the public shared seeds for growing to create tea. In return, they receive updates on research and growing in the form of small publications, and a special edition herbal tea at the end of the project. The tea serves as a portrait of all seeds shared.

This initial run of the project is designed as an open research year, which is developing in response to interest and participation. As part of this development, funding from Creative Ireland will facilitate the hosting of related online workshops, and a website bringing together the work and outcomes of the project to serve as an educational and community resource. 

Four public workshops will take place online via Zoom. These will consist of anthotype-making/plant-based photographic development led by Melanie King; natural pigment identification, processing and use in painting by Kari Cahill; common herbal remedies led by Anna Drews, and plant-inspired drawings led by Fergal Brennan. 

Dates for these workshops have yet to be confirmed, however they are expected to take place in August and September 2021.

A project website will be published in September/October, documenting the project so far, and including information on growing, setting up similar networks, and more poetic visual and text-based elements.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.