Eoin Ó Broin introduces Public Art Bill: "Public art makes good cities great"

Eoin Ó Broin, the Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, has introduced a bill to Dáil Éireann to allow for more public city art – by providing "exemptions from planning permission for certain categories of public art murals."

The bill, which was brought forward in collaboration with the artist collective Subset, will make it easier to produce large street murals without the fear of prosecution. Previously, if a street artist wanted to paint a mural, they would have to apply for council planning permission, and would be prosecuted if they didn't have it.

If the artist has the permission of the owner for the structure it's display on, it won't need planning permission from the council.

The exemptions will depend on whether or not the art has "artistic or cultural merit." The piece cannot conflict with the Equal Status Acts, which outlaws discrimination in goods and services available to the public sector.

The artwork also cannot be a commercial or campaign advertisement. There will be additional protections in areas of architectural conservation.

We need more public art not more prosecutions of artists.

Let’s hope Govt support my Public Art Planning Bill so that our artists can make our cities better places to live & visit. @SubsetDublin pic.twitter.com/WBSOYEJ1ic

— Eoin Ó Broin (@EOBroin) February 2, 2023

Subset disagrees with the idea that "the obedience of the citizens produces a happy city," instead vouching for engagement with the city.

They believe that engagement fosters involved and independents citizens, which are vital to establishing a collective identities within populated areas, like counties and cities.

"Public art is a visible and visceral medium for people from various disciplines to express themselves. It enhances individual empowerment, skills development, social integration & inclusion. Murals are an integral part of public art and can greatly improve our cities visual environment, as well as greatly supporting placemaking."

As a part of Subset's efforts to encourage the production of public art, their site has free downloadable templates of colouring-book pages on which you can design your own public art piece.

"Murals are an integral part of a healthy, cultural and democratic society. They create avenues for discourse and important conversations which can take place and shape outside of the political polarisation of different areas."

"They provide a platform for diversity and inclusivity and showcase imagination at scale and prominence. They inspire children and adults alike. They shine a light on our past and place a spotlight on our future. They open our eyes and minds. They give rise to change, something sorely needed in Dublin and throughout Ireland."

Eoin Ó Broin says that the benefits would not only include encouraging more artists to "enhance" the city of Dublin, but that the Dublin City Council wouldn't have to purse legal action against the artists and their collectives, like Subset, anymore.

"We think that public art is a good thing. We think it makes our city better."

Read Hot Press's interview with Eoin Ó Broin here: