DLR Announces Five New Public Art Commissions

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council announces five new Public Arts commissions under its Public Arts Programme, The Story We Tell Tomorrow

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to announce five new Public Arts commissions as part of its Public Arts Programme, The Story We Tell Tomorrow.

Emerging artists working across the performing arts were invited to imagine how the County might evolve in the future. Following an open call, five artist teams have each been awarded €10,000 to develop original performance works that will be presented in public spaces across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown in June and July 2026.

Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council welcomed the new commissions, stating:

“Public Arts have the power to bring people together, spark conversation and deepen our sense of connection to the world around us. These projects promise to do all of that and more. I am proud that our County continues to champion artists at an early stage in their careers and to celebrate the role of creativity in community life.”

Speaking about the announcement, Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

“Creativity helps shape our County, and these commissions show the talent and ambition of our emerging artists. By supporting them, we’re encouraging fresh ideas and new ways of looking at our shared future. I’m excited to see these performances bring our public spaces to life and inspire people across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.”

The five commissions are funded through the Per Cent for Art Scheme, a government initiative under which 1% of the cost of publicly-funded capital construction projects can be allocated to the commissioning of Public Arts.

Artists and Projects

Sal Stapleton
Multidisciplinary artist Sal Stapleton is developing LUNA: Tidal Futures, an outdoor contemporary music performance featuring a quartet, choir, live electronics and a rich visual world. The piece is shaped directly by the landscape and atmosphere of the coastline of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and the emotional connections people have to it.

HK Ní Shioradáin
Theatre-maker and composer HK is creating a non-verbal theatre work for young audiences exploring climate change and shifting human habits, using physical comedy and sensory storytelling.

Jenny’s Revenge (Cian Murphy and Jenny O’Malley)
Working across live electronic music, movement, costume and visual narrative, the duo will craft a new site-responsive performance inspired by the Rainbow Rapids—once the vibrant saltwater slides attached to Dún Laoghaire’s Old Baths.

JANAS (Julie O’Connell Kent, Eric Munday and Chloe Commins)
Founded in 2024, circus theatre company JANAS is developing a full-length outdoor performance combining aerial work and acrobatics. The piece reflects on the elemental pillars of island life, blending physical storytelling with striking outdoor spectacle.

Alex Vostokova
Dancer and choreographer Alex Vostokova will create a new dance performance, At the Edge of the Forest, inspired by the natural world - what has been lost and what remains - highlighting human resilience and resistance in the face of environmental change.
 

Public Performances

The commissions will be performed in public spaces in the County in June and July 2026. Details of dates, times and locations will be announced at a later date.

For further information about dlr’s Public Arts Programme, visit www.dlrcoco.ie/arts or contact the Arts Office at arts@dlrcoco.ie.