A new contemporary sculpture trail featuring five public artworks was launched this week by the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy. Island City, Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail, marks the biggest single investment in public art that the city has seen to date. Funded by Fáilte Ireland under the Urban Animation Investment Scheme with commissioning support from the National Sculpture Factory, the unique trail has been in progress at sites throughout the city centre island for the past six months.
The temporary artworks, which will be in place for a minimum of five years, are located on Carey’s Lane, Cook Street, the Exchange Building on the intersection of Princes Street and Oliver Plunkett St, Cornmarket Street (Coal Quay), and Triskel Christchurch.
Intended to illuminate Cork City’s heritage in an arresting, intriguing and playful way, the project will reinvigorate and re-imagine public spaces for locals and visitors, creating points of interest within the city centre. Art works include The Face Cup, a series of prehistoric artefacts brought to life in 3D; Urban Mirror, a large crafted table where people can eat, play and socialise; Sentinels [flew through the ages in the shape of birds], a lane-length overhead sculptural piece; Boom Nouveau, an intricately crafted lamppost that encourages people to look up; and Tempus Futurum, a light installation that highlights stories of Cork’s past, present and future.
Cork City Council and Fáilte Ireland are hoping that the sculptures will encourage city strollers to pause as they walk through the streets, look up and appreciate the beauty, character and heritage of the urban spaces. “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,” said Lord Mayor Kieran McCarthy. “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.”
Find more information about Island City, Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail at Corkcity.ie/islandcity