May 9, 2024

Dublin and New York City have been linked-up in a real-time visual bridge as part of a groundbreaking art project.

‘The Portal’ art installation features an on-street sculpture with a 24/7 livestream of both Dublin and New York in either city.

The two portals form part of a public art project aiming to unite citizens via technology on either side of the Atlantic Ocean.

The sculpture allows for real-time interaction between Dubliners, New Yorkers and visitors to both cities.

Dublin’s portal faces on to O’Connell Street capturing both the GPO and the Spire.

The NYC portal is located on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, one of the Big Apple’s most dynamic intersections.

The sculpture has been unveiled this afternoon by Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí De Róiste, and included a special performance by The Liberties Majorettes in a nod to the New York connection.

“One of my key aims as Lord Mayor is to make the city more inclusive,” said Mr De Róiste .

“I would encourage Dubliners and visitors to the city to come and interact with the sculpture and extend an Irish welcome and kindness to cities all over the world.

“This project is an example of one of the many exciting things to expect in Dublin during 2024 as part of our EU Capital of Smart Tourism Designation.”

The portal is set to become a fixture of Dublin’s streetscape throughout the summer and runs until the autumn.

In the coming months, the public can expect scheduled programming, including cultural performances at each city’s portal that will be enjoyed by people in the other city via the livestream.

Programming will kick-off in mid-May with a visual program to celebrate New York Design Week.

From July, the Dublin portal will also connect to other global city destinations in Poland, Brazil and Lithuania.

Benediktas Gylys, Lithuanian artist and founder of the portal, said: “Portals are an invitation to meet people above borders and differences and to experience our world as it really is – united and one.

Read more here.