Public art and conversation: Dublin’s approach to embracing diversity
Project: creating a new photography archive for public use across the city
The Purpose
To collate a bank of images that truly reflected the diversity of the population for the centenary celebrations of the Easter Rising.
The Challenge
In recent years, Dublin’s population has become more diverse. However, it was quickly identified by the Dublin Place Brand team that the growing diversity of those living in the city was not reflected in imagery representing the local area. This included stock images held for public use on free or paid-for download sites.
The project embodied the values of participation and partnership and celebrated the city’s vibrant culture and inclusive communities
The Solution
Working with the Gallery of Photography, the Diversity in Dublin Project commissioned five artists to create exciting images. Their brief was to create images celebrating the diverse backgrounds of people living and working in Dublin and strengthening connections across the city. For five months, the photographers engaged with different groups from local communities to produce a bank of stunning new images.
The Impact
The images were seen on digi-panels and bus shelters across the city and received national media attention. The project connected people through culture and conversation, igniting imaginations and experiences. The work of the photographers and the image bank are now available to be used by the public as well as in other projects and campaigns. The project embodied the values of participation and partnership and celebrated the city’s vibrant culture and inclusive communities.
Through this project Dublin City Council:
Created a bank of imagery that accurately reflected the diversity of Dublin’s growing population
Delivered on the ambition to promote Dublin through contemporary images of the diversity of those living in the city
Gave opportunity and a platform for new creative talent to express themselves
Stimulated conversation and gave rise to new initiatives — internally between sections of Dublin City Council and externally between arts organisations, artists and citizens
Source: World Cities Culture Report 2022
Images Courtesy © City of Dublin, Getty/Canva
