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Cork County Council has issued an open call competition for a new piece of artwork to be displayed in Kinsale Library. This announcement follows the official opening of the new library last December, which boasts a space ten times larger than its previous premises. The library, designed by Cork County Council’s Architects Department, involved transforming the James O’Neill Building (Old Mill), a three-storey structure in Church Square, into the town’s new hub for literature and community activities.

Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Services is now seeking proposals from professional artists, designers, and craft makers. These individuals or groups are invited to submit their ideas for a new artwork to be installed on an interior wall on the ground floor of the library. The commission offers a total value of €32,000.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll, highlighted the significance of the new library and the upcoming artwork:

“Since opening, Kinsale Library has become a vital part of the town’s infrastructure, championing learning, community, and connection. It recently won the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) award for conservation and came third in their Public Choice Award category. The commissioned artwork will be enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year and add to the rich cultural fabric of Kinsale and County Cork.”

The competition will unfold in two stages. Stage one is open to all interested professional artists, designers, and craft makers at any career level. While there is no specific theme mandated for the artwork, applicants are encouraged to consider the library’s context, its users, and the town of Kinsale when formulating their proposals.

Interested parties can find further details and submit their applications online at www.corkcoco.ie. The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 20th of August.