A piece of contemporary art in Tuam, Co Galway is the latest addition to the ongoing programme of public artwork in Galway and other parts of the country.
A new mural, developed by artist Shane O'Malley and inspired by young people involved in the local Youthreach programme, has been installed on the wall of the newly developed Department of Social Protection (DSP) Centre at the Old Library on Shop Street in Tuam this week.
Shane O'Malley says the mural is informed by the symbols and icons of Tuam.
"I wanted to create a piece that the community could connect with," he said.
"So I picked those symbols that are connected to Tuam, from the GAA grounds, the High Cross and the stained glass windows of the Cathedral.
"Within the stained glass there is a reference to the 'N17' emigration song by the Saw Doctors ... 'Stone walls and the grasses green'."
Shane O’Malley is a resident of Galway City and developed the mural in conjunction with young people involved in Youthreach.
Shane's vibrant use of colour stems from his background in graffiti.
He began painting graffiti in 2001, drawn to the act of writing and leaving his mark, which encompasses both a creative and destructive nature.
Galway County Arts Officer, Sharon O’Grady said: "For us it was very important that the mural should reflect the positivity, creativity and community of Tuam, particularly as it is seen through the eyes of the young people of the area."
"The future of Tuam will be shaped by those young people, who are living in its present, want to break with the past and want to make their mark in a positive way upon the town."
Artist liaison with the Youthreach team in Tuam, Joanna McGlynn, was instrumental in getting young people locally to engage with the muralist and the project.
Youthreach is a full-time programme, usually over two years, for young people, aged 15 to 20, who left school without formal qualifications to build on their basic education.
Joanna McGlynn said: "We work with young people who can feel like they’re on the margins, or who feel left out of the linear path through education and training."
Senior Architect with the OPW, Lora Aughey said: "The proposed mural aptly reflects the ethos and function of the new tenants, the DSP, while the overall refurbishment of this historic building re-establishes it as one of the more significant buildings in the town.
"Public art is an important bridge between contemporary culture and society.
"Works from the OPW State Art Collection are currently displayed in over 400 locations across Ireland, showcasing Irish art in civil service Departments and Government agencies, in courts and Garda stations, in garden and park settings, on paved forecourts and in courtyards."
