Cork city sculpture trail officially opened

A new contemporary sculpture trail throughout Cork City, ‘Island City - Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail’, has been officially launched by Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork.

The unique cultural trail of five public artworks has been installed over the past six months, with the final installation going live later this week.

The ambitious project, which has been two years in the making, is the biggest single investment in public art in the city.

The Cork City Council initiative was funded by Fáilte Ireland under the Urban Animation Investment Scheme with commissioning support from the National Sculpture Factory.

The temporary artworks, which will be in situ for the next five years, are located on Carey’s Lane, Cook St, the Exchange Building on the intersection of Princes St and Oliver Plunkett St, Cornmarket St (Coal Quay), and Triskel Christchurch.

Intended to illuminate Cork city’s unique heritage in an arresting, intriguing, and playful way, the project is reimagining public spaces for locals and visitors alike, creating points of interest for people to connect with the city centre.

It includes prehistoric artefacts brought to life in 3D; a large crafted table where people can eat, play, and socialise; a lane-length overhead sculptural piece that responds to the shifting shape of the city; an art nouveau crafted lamp-post that encourages people to look up and explore the architecture as they navigate through the city; and a light installation that highlights stories of Cork’s past, present, and sustainable future.

The five artworks include: Sentinels [flew through the ages in the shape of birds] on Carey’s Lane, by Niamh McCann; Boom Nouveau on Cook St by Forerunner; The Face Cup at The Exchange Building, Princes St/Oliver Plunkett St by Fiona Mulholland; Urban Mirror on Cornmarket St (Coal Quay) by plattenbaustudio; and Tempus Futurum at Triskel Christchurch by Brian Kenny.

Commenting at the launch of the city arts trail, Mr McCarthy said: “I am delighted that this week we will see the completion of ‘Island City — Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail’ — the most ambitious arts project we have undertaken at Cork City Council and the single biggest investment in public art our city has ever seen.

“I was delighted to meet all of the inspiring artists and architects at their individual unveilings over the past few months and to hear the incredible process, detail, and love that has gone into each installation.

“This has been an exceptional project for all, bringing art to the streets of Cork and enriching our urban environment and its heritage and history.

“In fact, it is a testament to the resilience and creativity of our cultural sector.

“We believe this initiative will deepen the city’s connection with public art and encourage locals and visitors to explore new areas of the city as art comes to life on our streets.”

“We really hope that people enjoy the trail, which will be in situ for the next five years,” he added.

“Cork City Council would like to sincerely thank our partners Fáilte Ireland, who funded the project under the Urban Animation Scheme, and the National Sculpture Factory for commission support.”

Fáilte Ireland’s director of product development Orla Carroll said she was “so pleased” to see the launch of the Island City trail, and highlighted how animating urban areas is “essential to transforming and reimagining our public spaces as safe, welcoming, and vibrant places to visit”.

“Experiences like this trail will encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more and immerse themselves in Cork’s strong heritage, unique culture and thriving food offering,” she said.

Cork City Council arts officer Michelle Carew said it has been “an inspiring and rewarding experience” to work with the commissioned artists throughout the process of delivering on the project.