Insight - Who, what, when, where, why & how?
Who?
Dublin Canvas is an inclusive public art project. To date, we have had a collection of artists from all age groups - students to retirees, from all walks of life - barristers to baristas, a mixture of nationalities and a variety of art disciplines. Graphic designers, illustrators, stencil artists, fine artists, street artists and landscape artists to name but a few. The main objective of Dublin Canvas is to ‘Colour in the County’. Artists have complete freedom on how to achieve this. Dublin Canvas is fully funded and supported by each of the four County Dublin's local authorities. The project came into being from Dublin City Council's Beta project. The aim of Beta projects is to trial new ideas, to innovate and to experiment. In 2013 Beta Projects experimented with a traffic light control box community art project. This trial was deemed successful. Leading on from this, Dublin Canvas was set up to expand on the concept, taking it further, eventually leading to a Dublin County rollout comprising 750 unique artwork throughout County Dublin.
What?
Dublin Canvas is an idea, a community art project intended to bring flashes of colour and creativity to everyday objects within Dublin's streetscape. Less grey, more play. The project takes previously unused public space and transforms it into canvases to help brighten up each area. Making Dublin a more beautiful place to live, work and visit.
The project started in the Summer of 2015 with 15 boxes dotted along Rathmines, Camden Street and Baggot Street. Following on from this initial successful launch a further 31 locations were added in Autumn 2015. In 2016, Dublin Canvas expanded further taking in an additional 72 boxes and spreading out right across all five of Dublin City Council areas. By the end of Autumn 2022, there will be over 750 pieces completed - spread out right across County Dublin. Completed artwork brightens up and turns these once dull, heavily tagged boxes into beautiful works of art, transforming Dublin into a walking gallery of public art.
When?
Dublin Canvas runs throughout the Summer months and finishes by early Autumn. This years timeline is as follows:
Callout Commences – Wednesday 13th April 2022
Submission Deadline - Friday 13th May 2022
Selection process - Monday 16th May - Friday 3rd June 2022
Artwork Completed - Early June - Late August
Submission deadline has now passed. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Where
Dublin Canvas Spring 2021 calllout for submissions for artwork for Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council and South Dublin County Council.
This Years Callout will consist of:
(note: each artist brief is almost identical - only difference is council, template, logo plus photography)
Dublin City Council - 70 boxes spread out over Dublin City Council's five electoral areas.
Download: Dublin Canvas - Dublin City Council - Callout for Submissions -Summer 2022 PDF
Download: Dublin City Council - Traffic Signal Box Measurements Template - 2022 PDF
South Dublin County Council - 15 boxes spread out over South Dublin County Councils six electoral areas.
Download: Dublin Canvas - South Dublin County Council - Callout for Submissions -Summer 2022 PDF
Download: South Dublin County Council - Traffic Signal Box Measurements Template - 2022 PDF
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council - 15 boxes spread out over Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council six electoral areas.
Download: Dublin Canvas - Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council - Callout for Submissions - Summer PDF
Download: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council - Traffic Signal Box Measurements Template - 2020 PDF
Fingal County Council chose to take part in Summer 2021 Callout. We area hoping to return to this area in Spring 2022.
Submission deadline has now passed. Late submissions will not be accepted
Why be involved with Dublin Canvas?
Dublin is a very beautiful, however, sometimes and in certain areas the city can do with a helping hand. By participating in the project, you can transform the selected boxes into works of art, helping to brighten up the city. By their very nature the boxes are located at traffic junctions making them highly visible to pedestrians, cyclist and motorists.
Why?
Presently there is an abundance of highly creative, talented amateur and professional artists living throughout Dublin. These artists love to exhibit their work to the public. At the same time, there are large grey metal traffic light control boxes dotted right across County Dublin. They attract tagging/vandalism and generally drag the look of each area down. These boxes are always naturally located at traffic junctions making them ideal platforms to exhibit high-quality art to the public. Dublin Canvas utilises this space to showcase artwork enhancing the surrounding area. The artist's love to paint and the public generally loves the artwork. It is a win-win situation for all involved.Dublin Canvas uses traffic light control boxes for community art. These boxes are always naturally located at traffic junctions making them highly visible, perfectly located platforms to exhibit art to all pedestrians, cyclists and motorists as they wait whilst the traffic lights turn green. Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest ones!
Who can get involved?
The project is open to anyone over the age of 18. If you can pick up a brush and paint, we want you to submit an entry. All you need to do is submit an idea and if selected be willing to give up the amount of time it will take you to paint the box.
How?
Dublin Canvas is an inclusive public art project. The project is open to anyone over the age of 18. If you can pick up a brush and paint, we want you to submit an entry. All you need to do is submit an idea and if selected be willing to give up the amount of time it will take you to paint the box.Interestested artists and community groups should carefully read guidelines and criteria below and submit their artwork on time and in the correct format to info@dublincanvas.com
Budget?
Dublin Canvas is asking for members of the public that are interested in the project to volunteer their time and talent to help brighten up the Dublin. In saying we believe it should not cost participants anything more than time. There are two options available to help cover costs. Option one is that Dublin Canvas will supply all materials (paints, brushes, PPE etc.) in a portable pack, plus a payment of €200 to cover travel expenses/food/caffeine for the day. Or option two, a payment of €250 and participants supply their own materials. For the second option, the materials used would have to be pre-approved by Dublin Canvas. This will ensure all painted boxes will remain vibrant for the duration of the project. Please indicate on submission which option you would prefer.
What are traffic light control boxes?
Traffic light control boxes are large grey metal boxes used to house the electrical components that coordinate the traffic light sequence. They are visible at most junctions throughout Dublin.
Quality
The quality is up to you. Have a look at our Instagram, Facebook and artists profile section for inspiration. There are some restrictions as outlined within artist brief but we encourage you to be as creative as possible.
Safety
The safety of participants and the public is paramount to Dublin Canvas. Full PPE (personal protection equipment) will be provided but due caution will be needed when painting each box.
Time?
Depending on the location of the unit, all artwork is planned to stay on each box for between 1-3 years. However, Dublin Canvas reserves the right to paint over any box at any time without prior notice.
What format should submissions be sent in?
Artwork should preferably be in JPEG format or PDF and emailed to info@dublincanvas.com
What will be the Selection Process?
Each box will be awarded on quality and creativity of design. The judging panel will be made up of Council representatives. All entrants will be notified either way if a submission is accepted or rejected.
Hints and tips
PPE will be provided but participants should constantly be aware of their surroundings. The selected boxes are all in high footfall areas, the public will stop and ask about the project and for directions. It's Ireland, at some stage it's probably going to rain. Make sure to dress accordingly and that all your materials can be put away quickly in case of a sudden downpour. Obviously, the units are static, you will have to be able to move around so keep this in mind whilst designing your artwork.