Tubber Hill Public Art Project Launch in Westport
Date: 10-09-2021
A large group of Tubber Hill residents both young and old turned out on Saturday afternoon the 4th September for the launch of the Tubber Hill Public Art Project. The launch took place outdoors in the recreational area in the estate. The commission was recently awarded to Visual Artist Cathal McCarthy by Mayo County Council’s Arts Service. Cathal will be working in collaboration with local poet Mary C Reilly and Tubber Hill residents on this innovative visual arts and poetry project. The event on Saturday was an opportunity for the residents to come together, meet the artists and find out more about the project.
A series of creative engagement workshops are planned for residents to attend during autumn and winter months. This will involve creative writing, spoken word, visual art, sculpture and circus skills. Creative writing workshops will be led by Mary C Reilly and visual art and sculpture workshops by Cathal McCarthy. The workshops will be suitable for children, young people and adults. The outdoor launch event included poetry readings by Mary C Reilly and Brendan McKeown, spoken word by Eigir Beaver, jazz with Ain’t Misbehavin, and refreshments. Circus artist Bruna Bea also entertained younger residents with her circus skills.
Artist Cathal McCarthy from Ballintubber, well known for creating iconic public art pieces and the recently completed new sculpture entitled “Word-Tree” for Sancta Maria Secondary School in Louisburgh Co Mayo. His other sculptural works include Stream Spire, Mullingar Town and The Player in Ballindine on the N17. He is currently working on new Public Art Sculptures for Scoíl Bhríde N.S. Offaly, St Patricks N.S. Wexford, and Ballymun Regional Youth Resource Centre Dublin under the Per Cent for Art scheme.
This commission is part of Mayo County Council’s Public Art Programme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Per Cent for Art Scheme. For more information go to www.mayo.ie/arts/public-art. Residents in interested in taking part in upcoming workshops can contact publicart@mayococo.ie.
Pictured: Artist Cathal McCarthy and poet Mary C Reilly