Public Art Commission: Dolphin House

Since September 2025, Dublin City Council, through its Arts office, has been working with Create and artist Evelyn Broderick and the community of Dolphin House on a Public Art programme which places the community at the heart of the Public Art Commissioning Process.

The local community has participated in weekly workshops and discussions about the Public Art Commissioning Process, led by Evelyn Broderick. These workshops raised local awareness of the nature and benefits of contemporary public art and how the community can have ownership and leadership within the commissioning process. Crucially, this deep engagement allowed for the interests and ideas of local communities to be heard and to learn how the community identify themselves and their neighbourhood.

Now, Dublin City Arts Office is seeking to commission a temporary Public Artwork for Dolphin House. This is the first of 3 mini public art commissions which are part of a wider programme of work, culminating in a larger scale public artwork that will be commissioned in 2027. Funding arises from the Per cent for Art programme. Closing date for submissions is 5pm, Friday April 10th.

The active research with the community in Dophin House has led to this artists brief, with the local community providing the following information which should guide the artist as they develop their proposal:

“We are a neighbourhood shaped by stories, friendships and generations of people who call this place home. Five generations live side by side here. Children, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents share the same streets, memories and futures.This is a place of belonging, resilience and care.

Our area has been going through a long period of regeneration and change. Through it all, our community has stayed strong. Now, we’d like to work with an artist to help us reflect who we are, celebrate what matters, and imagine what comes next. We’re looking for an artist who will spend time with us — listening, being present, and building real relationships. Someone who values everyday voices, old stories, laughter, creativity and hope. Someone who wants to make something with us, not just for us.

Together, we’d like to explore:

• belonging and friendship
• local history and shared memories
• our voices and experiences
• fun, connection and creativity
• hopes for the futureWe welcome artists from any background or discipline who are open, curious and community-minded. If you’re excited by the idea of working closely with people of all ages and creating something meaningful together, we’d love to hear from you. Come and be part of our story.”

A full brief including this community statement and information on how to apply for the Commission, is available below:

Read the commission briefing document