A new public art commission is set to be unveiled at the Tubber Hill housing development in Westport next week. All is Well, a visual art installation by Cathal McCarthy and commissioned by Mayo County Council Arts Service, will be officially launched at on Saturday October 7 2pm by Damien McGlynn, director of CREATE. All are welcome and refreshments will be provided.
Visual artist Cathal McCarthy has been working in collaboration with local poet Mary C Reilly and residents of the Tubber Hill housing development on this visual arts and poetry project. Cathal, Mary and other local artists have facilitated arts workshops with residents and friends exploring the theme of ‘Living on the hill’. Activities have included creative writing for adults and young people, poetry reading, rapping, circus skills, painting and sculpture.
From these engagements and research Cathal McCarthy has created the final artwork; four specially designed panels that will be incorporated into the railings at the steps in the green area. The panel design is a combination of poetry and patterns from nature. Each panel displays a line from a poem, including poetry written by residents at workshops and poetry by Mary C Reilly and Paddy Guthrie.
Mayo County Council advertised an open call for proposals for a public art commission at the housing development. There was a two-stage competition with an independent selection panel. Cathal McCarthy’s proposal was successful and designed specifically for the site.
“It was a wonderful experience working with all the residents of Tubber Hill estate in collaboration with local poet Mary C Reilly," McCarthy said. "This public art project is testament to what can be achieved when creative opportunities are made available for people to participate in.”
The project was commissioned by Mayo County Council and funded through the Percent for Art Scheme by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. This high-quality contemporary artwork is the latest addition to the ongoing programme of public artwork in the county. A special thanks to all the residents and friends who took part in the project.
