‘Éirímís – Together We Rise’

The public sculpture for Ballyfermot's People's Park was a participative commission, that evolved through a process of consultation and collaboration between the selected artist, the park’s design team and the local community.

‘Éirímís – Together We Rise’. 

The figures of the sculpture stand tall, proud, and united, as they reach together, towards the sky above. The sculpture has been truly inspired by the local people, their connections, their sense of belonging and their hope, which is at the heart of the Ballyfermot community.

When asked about the inspiration and story befind the sculpture Breda said,

"When I first seen the landscape plan for a new People's Park, designed by DCC landscape architect, Suzanne O'Connell, I tried to imagine how the space would be transformed.

I tried to envisage how people would move through the space, where they would naturally gather or enjoy quiet time. This helped me to get a feel for the site and to work out the best location for the sculpture.

When I met with the various community groups, I became very aware of how deeply people valued their friendships, their sense of belonging and the great pride they took in their local heritage.   

The willow workshops involved people of different ages, coming together, working with their hands and sharing stories as they connected to nature to create their own pieces for the People's Park. 

I was fascinated by the local pigeon fanciers. I loved their dedication and passion, and how they were able to train the birds, to navigate their way through the many challenges and obstacles of their journeys and still return home.

The birds felt like an apt symbol for the younger generations within the community, who are developing their strength and resilience, to help them spread their wings and rise to new heights.

As the project progressed, it also became important, that there would a central space, of a scale where people could feel held, uplifted, and inspired to interact and express their own creativity.  Engagement
The inspiration of the sculpture came from the community engagement with Mary Queen of Angel's 2 National School, local secondary schools, Ballyfermot College of Further Education, Familibase youth group, SWAAT support group, the local heritage group and local residents group.

Background to the Sculpture Dublin Initiative

Between 2020 and 2022 Sculpture Dublin commissioned six sculptures for the city – a permanent sculpture in each of the Dublin City Council Administrative Areas and a temporary sculpture for the O’Connell Plinth outside City Hall.

Sculpture Dublin was set up to raise awareness of the city’s sculptural heritage and to commission new sculptures in parks and public spaces city-wide. The initiative was developed by Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services and the City Arts Office and supported by the Hugh Lane Gallery and Visual Artists Ireland. 

Learn more about the selection process behind this Sculpture Dublin commission 

Special thanks and gratitude 
This sculpture commission was made possible due to the support and dedicated work of many people. I'd like to thank the Sculpture Dublin team - Karen Downey, Sabina Mc Mahon, Julia Moustacchi, Public Arts Officer for Dublin City Council - Ruairí O'Cuív, BA Steel, Eddie Phelan from VCL Consultants, Landscape designer - Suzanne O'Connell from Dublin City Council Parks, Leslie Moore, Head of DCC Parks & Martin Desmond of MCD Landscapes.