Solstice receives funding for project commissioned as part of ART:2023

We are delighted that our project ‘someone decides, hawk or dove’  by artist Niamh McCann has been commissioned as part of the programme for ART:2023, a Decade Of Centenaries collaboration from The Arts Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

‘someone decides, hawk or dove’, is a project that emerges from the 100-year anniversary of the institutionalisation of a border on the island of Ireland - the establishment of the separation between North and South. McCann’s practice speaks to the existence of this divide, situating works within the geographical and political landscape of this edge, to question and foreground its assumptions, context and meaning. It is a collaboration between Iarla Ó Lionáird and Peter Carroll, in partnership with National Sculpture Factory (Cork), Battle of Boyne Visitor Centre (Oldbridge, Meath), The MAC (Belfast), and Solas Nua (Washington DC). 

The project will feature a central sculpture/structure ‘Turn Again’, developed by the artist in collaboration with architect Peter Carroll and a musical composition created by McCann and singer/composer Iarla Ó Lionáird.

The programme ART: 2023 is an opportunity for artists and arts organisations to create new and exciting work of ambition and scale while reflecting on the themes of the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012-2023.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Catherine Martin said: “This partnership highlights the important role that artists and cultural organisations have played – and continue to play – in the Decade of Centenaries Programme. For many members of the public, this will be how they will choose to engage with the complex themes presented by the Decade of Centenaries Programme. ART:2023 provides a unique opportunity for artists and creators and will signify how much they are valued as we continue to discuss and debate the formation of our State. I am delighted that my Department is supporting the Arts Council to help these artists to deliver these collaborative, and ground-breaking projects.”

Posted on 27 Feb 2023.