merrion street

Tuesday, 1 April, 2014: Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, will this evening at 5.00 p.m. launch the new "Artist in Residence" - Finbarr Dac at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin Docklands.

The Artist in Residence programme is one of the first of its kind in Ireland. The unique location of the Gibson in Dublin docklands will allow the artist to paint both from the environs of the hotel and also on the ground in the docklands and along the quays.

The programme was first launched by The Gibson Hotel in 2013 and its aim was to provide accommodation and space for an artist to work in an environment which has undergone many changes in recent years. In tandem with this, the programme will engage with some local aspiring artists from Dublin city centre and with children via the Irish Youth Foundation, so that they can learn from Finbarr and hopefully get some inspiration to channel their potential artistic flair into a real life skill.

Speaking in advance of the launch, Minister Deenihan said:

"Due recognition must be given to this modern style of art called Urban Aesthetics which has largely been devised by Finbarr. Totally suited to urban areas, it's fresh, vibrant and colourful - lifting otherwise dull cityscapes. Hopefully his work will inspire young artists in their work. All of the pieces are created with great vitality and freshness. His ability to capture a glimpse of passing time and light is readily evident in his work, and I’m sure it will provide inspiration to many.

"Finbarr’s work shows how much art and artists are part of the fabric of the country and must continue to be supported and nourished. It is wonderful initiatives such as this that offer everyone the opportunity to do just that. I wish Finbarr and everyone involved every success with this wonderful project." Minister Deenihan concluded.