Initial Invitation
As the Irish nation commemorates the momentous events of a century ago, that were to lead to an independent state and the creation of the Irish Republic, we decided that a significant piece of Public Art in a garden setting should be placed within the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin, the home of the President of Ireland. This we feel would be an appropriate and permanent tribute to the men and women whose effort and sacrifice contributed so much to Irish freedom and would also serve as an inspiration towards realising such a promise as outlined in the 1916 proclamation of a Republic that:
“...guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declare its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all of the children of the nation equally...”
Making such a vision a reality is an ongoing challenge for each of us in the shaping of our future as a nation and our responsibilities as part of a shared humanity on this fragile planet.
The Public Art project, as part of the wider State’s commemoration programme, will be delivered through a restricted competition and we are inviting a number of artists to consider submitting a proposal for a sculpture in a garden setting.
Proposals will be inspired by 1916 and related centenary events and would also accommodate reflections on the journey of the Irish Nation to the present day and our hopes and vision for the future.
We are delighted, therefore, to invite you, to be part of this emblematic project, through the proposal of a suitable sculpture design in a garden setting, in Áras an Uachtaráin, as a permanent testament to our shared journey towards a Republic where we all have a place and of which we all can feel proud.
