South East Area: Bushy Park

• Wood Carving Workshops with Artist Conleth Gent

• Workshops with Loreto Primary School and Artist Sophie von Maltzan

From September to November 2021, artist Sophie von Maltzan worked with students from Loreto Primary School near Bushy Park. Together, they explored and created 3D objects with reference to the Bushy Park commission.

• VAI Artists Café – Bushy Park Commission

21 September 2021, 3-4.30pm

As part of the Sculpture Dublin public engagement programme, Visual Artists Ireland organised a series of cafés that brought together artists, arts organisations and audiences, and connected them with local projects.

This Café introduced Bushy Park and the immediate vicinity of the new sculpture commission. The awarded artist was presented at the event.

The artist, Corban Walker, gave insight into his working practice, about the work he was developing in his studio, and he told us how research plays an integral role in developing a new sculpture.

Experienced arts professionals discussed the roles they play in supporting artists and in how sculpture is experienced by audiences.

We also heard from local projects and initiatives that are taking place in the locality of the commission sites and we engaged in discussion about what impact the sculpture commission will have in the area.

Speakers included:

– Corban Walker, Commissioned Artist

– Anne Talbot, Engagement Coordinator at Dublin City Council Culture Company

– Liz Coman, Assistant Arts Officer with Dublin City Council

– Eamonn Maxwell, Curator, Art Advisor

– Karen Downey, Programme Director, Sculpture Dublin

Bushy Park is a large suburban park situated between the mature residential suburbs of Terenure, Templeogue and Rathfarnham. Mostly frequented by people who live in the surrounding areas and well-used by local sports clubs, it accommodates a variety of outdoor facilities, amenities and landscapes, from woodland and an ornamental lake to riverbanks, meadow and grassland.

Through a two-stage commissioning process, artists wee asked to explore Bushy Park, its assorted terrains and contemporary uses, and identify a space within the park that resonates and provokes a sensitive and considered aesthetic response.

More information about the commissioned artist, Corban Walker, is available here.

We would love to hear your thoughts on public sculpture, what your expectations are and how you would like to get involved with Sculpture Dublin. Let us know by taking 10-minutes to complete this short questionnaire. Thank you!