Seven murals for Cork as part of new Ardu Street Art Initiative
Harley Street, opposite the brand new Mary elmes bridge, adjacent to our hotel is middle of a makeover with a massive mural created by artists Shane O’Driscoll as part of a brand new initiative called Ardu – the Irish for ‘Rise’, which is based on a theme of nostalgia and celebration.
Over the coming weeks, the murals will appear at Harley Street, Wandesford Quay, The Kino, Anglesea Street, Liberty Street, Kyle Street, and Henry Street.
Some of Ireland’s most respected and renowned street artists, including MASER, Shane O’Driscoll, Deirdre Breen, Peter Martin, James Earley, ACHES, and Garreth Joyce, have been enlisted to create works at a number of locations, in response to a theme inspired by the 1920 Burning of Cork.
It aims to unite the Leeside community through art, lifting its creative energy at a time when it needs it most.
“Myself, and fellow organisers Peter and Paul, believe that street art is the ideal medium for the times we live in.” said co-organiser Shane O’Driscoll.
“We’re delighted to present Ardú to the public, in a safe space where they can interpret the murals outdoors, and at a social distance, from each other. Importantly, these pieces of art will serve to remind people that despite what is going on in the world, creativity and art can still bring communities together.
“At a time when we face shared and personal challenges, each of our artist’s mural is a rallying cry to the city – a call to remember that we have been through terrible times before and we rose up. We can do it again.”
While trying to deal with the challenges that a life on lockdown presented us with, we “sought shelter in the arts – immersing ourselves in creativity helped us deal with the unfathomable”, according to Michelle Carew, Cork City arts officer. “Cork City Council is therefore delighted to support Ardú as a means of re-invigorating our city in a safe space whilst also exploring the phenomenal story that was Cork in 1920 and now,” she added.
The Ardú Street Art Initiative will continue across Cork city until October 31st.