Latest addition to Limerick's 'street art' portfolio is unveiled

A NEW mural has been added to Limerick city's growing street art portfolio as part of a joint project between Limerick City and County Council and TUS Limerick School of Art and Design.

Following the completion of the mural, the words “There is an Isle” can now be seen as visitors enter the city, crossing Thomond bridge. 

The mural has been painted onto the Toll Cottages façade, close to King John's Castle, in recent days.

The project, involving a number of partner agencies, was part-funded by Creative Ireland and the local authority's Place-Making & Public Realm Department.

The idea and concept were brought about to creatively enrich the visual façade of the Toll cottages, working with LSAD students and recent graduates and engaging with the local community.  

Community comes together to paint new mural in Limerick estate

The project aims to create an environment that will give an opportunity for developing artists to understand the steps involved in a project of this nature, developing skills that aim to push professional development for emerging artists. 

An artistic group, consisting of four students and recent graduates, was chosen to create an intervention engaging with themes relevant to the local community and responding to the socio-economic, historical and the social heritage of the area.   

Georgy Daly, Executive Architect at  Limerick City and County Council, commented: “The objective is to return the Toll Cottages to use and enliven this beautiful part of Limerick city in the medium term. However, this site presents an opportunity to develop high quality urban artwork and engage with local artists and students to reimagine the site in the short term for the overall benefit of the area.” 

Dr. Pippa Little of Limerick Arts Office says she was delighted to work with various partners and stakeholders. "This approach to interdisciplinary working is at the heart of Creative Ireland’s strategy to embed creativity in Local Authorities, for the benefit of all. This project was part funded by a Creative Ireland Strategic and Legacy grant. This vibrant, colourful intervention forms one of the many celebrations of Limerick’s heritage and our cultural identities," she said.

Mike Fitzpatrick, Dean of Limerick School of Art and Design /Director of Cultural Engagement at TUS commented: “The aim of this project is to creatively enrich the visual façade and area in front of the Toll cottages, with four LSAD students and recent graduates engaging with themes and concepts that connect our local communities with our city’s rich historical and social heritage. This type of creative intervention has been shown to positively affect social wellbeing and make the potential for economic growth more tangible."