Culture Near You: David Murtagh at Dublin Canvas

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do as Project Coordinator for Dublin Canvas?

My name is David Murtagh. I coordinate the Dublin Canvas initiative on behalf of each of County Dublin’s four local authorities. I have a background in media production. I love all things creative, I like to draw and occasionally paint. I have also recently started model making.

My main role with Dublin Canvas is to coordinate the project. I compile artwork submissions for selection process by Councils adjudication panels and prepare traffic signal boxes a matte white prior to artists painting. I also assemble artist packs and manage social media.

Could you describe the project for anyone who might be unfamiliar with it?

Dublin Canvas is a community art project intended to bring flashes of colour and creativity to everyday objects in the greater County Dublin area. The project takes previously unused public space, namely council-owned traffic signal boxes, and transforms them into artworks to help brighten up each area - making Dublin a more beautiful place to live, work and visit.

How did the Dublin Canvas project come about, and how long has it been running?

Dublin Canvas is inspired by similar public art projects worldwide. This public art project is running from 2015 to present. To date there has been over 715 pieces completed right across County Dublin – Balbriggan to Tallaght – Shankill to Lucan and everywhere in between.

Do you have any standout or favourite moments from your time with Dublin Canvas?

Hitting the primary objective of turning whole of County Dublin into outdoor gallery in 2018 when each of Dublin’s four local authorities took part.

What’s your favourite thing about the project?

Watching how various artists approach the same task of painting the boxes. Multiple approaches with different styles all directed at the same outcome. It is fascinating to watch each piece come together over time.

Also, viewing artwork in Wintertime when Dublin’s streets are grey. Each corner now has artwork to brighten them up.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Dublin?

Sitting in St Stephens Green or Phoenix Park with coffee and chocolates from Butlers feeding seagulls watching the world pass by.

What are you most looking forward to at Dublin Canvas in the coming year?

Hopefully, we can add at least one augmented reality piece in 2023. The technology has advanced and it would be great to add another dimension to the artwork.

What has been your favourite or most surprising discovery on the Culture Near You map so far?

Ease of use and volume of content. It’s a fantastic resource. I was unaware of the number of events on at any one time.

I like to visit galleries - Hugh Lane and National Art Gallery. And looking forward to the reopening of the Science Gallery.

Lastly, if someone would like to get involved with Dublin Canvas, how can they do that?

Follow #DublinCanvas through social media.

The deadline for submissions for the next artist selection is Friday 19th May 2023 and full details on how to apply is available on the website - www.dublincanvas.com.