The first element of the Swords Cultural Quarter, the Carnegie Library Arts Centre, will open to the public on May 1st.
It’s first exhibition will be the display of a new specially commissioned work by artist John Byrne entitled ‘An Comórtas (The Contest)’.
The piece, which can be described as a staged photograph featuring over 60 members of the community, will be open to the public to view at the Carnegie Library in North Street from May 1, 2024 – June 1, 2024 on Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 10am – 5pm (closed from 1–2pm).
The arts team describe the work as follows:
This iconic artwork was commissioned through Fingal County Council’s Public Art Programme Infrastructure where the brief signaled the arrival of the Swords Cultural Quarter and has resulted in a work created with, for and about the people of Fingal. Over 60 members of the community responded to the call “would you like to be immortalized in art?”. An Comórtas (The Contest) shows us a vision of contemporary Fingal and composed with strong references to historical European paintings.
The programming at the new Carnegie Library aims to exemplify community engagement by providing a platform for professional artists and burgeoning communities alike. It will strive to align with and include existing, planned, and future Fingal Public Arts commissions and Youth Arts projects and where programming will be informed by consultation with national and international arts organisations to ensure adherence to best practices as we plan to meet the vision for the Swords Cultural Quarter.
Cllr Ian Carey said:
“It is really incredible that Swords is finally getting an arts centre. It is something that the area has been crying out for, for such a long time. We got a sneak peek at the artwork by John Byrne a few months back and it is a truly spectacular work.
“It features some familiar faces from around Swords arranged like a Carravagio, or a Baroque style painting. It is situated on a beach in Fingal, drawing on the dramatic landscape and sky. It is really worth checking out.”
