A new mural at Portobello Harbour, inspired by Irish and Polish folk art, has been created by a Polish artist Aga Grandowicz and an Irish artist Una Woods, as part of the PolskaÉire Festival 2021. The project is the initiative of the Embassy of Poland in Dublin, in celebration of 30 years of the Embassy’s existence, in partnership with Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Hazel Chu, said: “I am delighted to launch this mural as a sign of Irish-Polish connection both in the City of Dublin but also in all the corners of Ireland. Let it be a reminder that the ties between the Polish community and the Irish people stay strong and will remain so in the years to come. Over the last 15 years we have welcomed over 100 thousand Polish people here in Ireland – during that time they have contributed significantly to the prosperity and cultural diversity of our country – for this we say THANK YOU.
I am sure that the local community of Portobello also greatly appreciates this new addition to the landscape – this mural radiates such positive energy and vibrancy that it will lift anyone’s spirits.”
Ambassador Anna Sochańska said: “I am honoured to celebrate Irish-Polish relations in the form of this uplifting colorful mural inspired by Irish and Polish folk art. The Irish shamrock and the Polish floral motives from folk paper cutouts perfectly symbolize the two cultures and how they interlink. The two birds, the starling and the robin, taking centre stage of the design, relate so well to the two countries’ natural heritage. We are very grateful to our local partners, Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland, for their support”.
Canal Bank S.W.A.L.K. is a summer partnership between Totally Dublin & Waterways Ireland
main photo: Rafał Kostrzewa
Canal Bank S.W.A.L.K. illustration – Gav Connell
