Walls Project to celebrate Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union

Members of the public encouraged to nominate walls for murals under open call

Today (21 September 2026), Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, announced his Department’s partnership with The Walls Project to support and celebrate Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union.

As part of the EU Presidency celebrations, The Walls Project is delivering a nationwide programme of street art and graffiti workshops, bringing its internationally recognised public art practice into communities across Ireland. These began in King John’s Castle in Limerick on 12 and 13 September and will continue through September and October with the team working at the local Scout Den in Dún Laoghaire and in the Pocket Park on Thomas Street in Waterford at the weekend. Best known for transforming public spaces through large-scale murals and for curating the annual Waterford Walls Festival, The Walls Project works at the intersection of contemporary art, community engagement and cultural placemaking.

Supported and funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and led by experienced mural artists and facilitators, the workshops will invite young people aged 12–18, alongside families in selected locations, to explore the creative process behind graffiti and mural art. Participants will be introduced to spray paint techniques, sketch development, colour layering and large-scale composition in a safe, accessible and hands-on environment that encourages creativity, confidence and self-expression.

As part of the programme, The Walls Project will also launch a national open call inviting communities, organisations and local authorities to nominate a permanent wall for a landmark mural celebrating Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. The selected location will become home to a lasting public artwork, creating a tangible legacy of the celebrations and reflecting themes of cultural exchange, connection and shared creativity. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate a wall by email to hello@wallsproject.ie

By bringing professional artists directly into communities and creating opportunities for participation at both local and national levels, the programme will foster collaboration, inspire new creative voices and highlight the positive role of public art in shaping vibrant, connected places. It will highlight some of the broad themes of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU.

Speaking today, Minister O’Donovan said:

ENDS

Notes to Editors