Island City: A profile of the pieces in Cork's biggest ever investment in public art 

The trail of five artworks in Cork city had a budget of €670,000. We talk to the organisers about the background to the project, the reaction, and whether it has been good value for such a huge layout 

The Island City project in Cork saw the installation of five temporary artworks in the city.

Island City is a trail of five artworks installed on the ‘island’ of Cork city centre between June and December 2023. The project was funded by Bord Fáilte under the Urban Animation Scheme, and commissioned by Cork City Council Arts Office, with support from the National Sculpture Factory.

With a budget of €670,000, it was the single biggest investment in public artwork in the history of Cork city. Four of the artworks were commissioned via a closed competition. This involved a number of artists being paid a fee for their proposal, one of which was then commissioned for each site. Their pieces will be in situ until at least 2028. The film projection at Triskel Christchurch was an open call, and will be replaced each year.