Artists invited to submit proposals for a project to mark the reopening of Douglas Library

Cork City Council is inviting artists to submit ideas for a project to mark the reconstruction and reopening of Douglas Library.

The library, which is situated in Douglas Village Shopping Centre, has remained closed since August 2019 after a devastating fire in the car park of the shopping centre.

Earlier this week, shopping centre manager Bartosz Mieszala said the centre is "on course" to reopen on November 12.

The library is also expected to reopen on this date.

The new Douglas Per Cent for Art Commission ran by Cork City Council Arts Office and Cork City Library Service is particularly seeking submissions that reflect or respond to the legacy of the local industry and its workers, particularly in relation to textiles.

In the 18th century, the mills in Douglas produced sail-cloth and supplied sails to the Royal Navy, amongst other clients.

Further textile mills opened in the nineteenth century including Lane’s Corn and Hemp Mills.

Most of the mills ceased operating in the early twentieth century, although St Patrick's Woollen Mills and Donnybrook Mills continued until the 1970s.

Speaking to The Echo Independent Councillor Kieran McCarthy welcomed the scheme. 

"It’s great to see the history of Douglas textile industries getting a focus through the Per Cent Art Scheme. 

"They provided much employment in centuries gone by and created the unique sense of place that Douglas has," he said. 

"Douglas Library has always championed the local history of the area and getting the opportunity to work with artists is an added bonus for library staff. 

"From this, there will be a legacy piece for this generation and for future generations telling the story of the historic Douglas Village and its textile history," he continued.

Deadline for applications is 18 September 2020.

For further information and details on how to submit an application visit corkcitylibraries.ie