#StreetArtBETA
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dccbeta.bsky.social
You can also follow Dublin City Council BETA on instagram, with the same @dccbeta handle.

www.instagram.com/dccbeta/
Photo of a planning application site notice on a wall, with existing colourful mural. Underneath is the text "the 1st planning application of its kind in Ireland. #StreetArtBETA"
July 29, 2025 at 11:35 AM
dccbeta.bsky.social
If you'd like to suggest other 'canvas' locations, please submit them to @thewallsproject.bsky.social using the below link!

wallsproject.ie/dublin-walls/

#StreetArtBETA
Close-up of an eye, from a mural painted by https://artbyeoin.com/ - as part of a previous BETA Project
July 25, 2025 at 7:57 PM
dccbeta.bsky.social
The 1st planning application was submitted by @thewallsproject.bsky.social for #StreetArtBETA.

It's a regular planning application with site notice, open to public observations, etc. planning.agileapplications.ie/dublincity/a...

However it's for the 'blank canvas', not any particular art content.
Photo. In the foreground is a high, but single-storey boundary wall. Left and right are two portions of flat wall, in-between there's a gate. A man walks past the gate. In the background is an apartment block. The two flat portions of wall have a scribble overlaid on each portion. There's also an arrow pointing to a planning site notice.
July 25, 2025 at 2:26 PM
dccbeta.bsky.social
🚨 Calling owners of walls, street artists (muralists), residents, community groups... 🚨

Do you know of anywhere?

Reposts would be amazing! 🙏

#StreetArtBETA
thewallsproject.bsky.social The Walls Project @thewallsproject.bsky.social · Jun 19
🎨 Dublin Street Art Pilot Project with @dccbeta.bsky.social 🎨
We’ve had some great wall suggestions so far like the wall below, and would love to see more! If you own a wall or know a great mural spot in Dublin City Centre, let us know here:
wallsproject.ie/dublinwalls/
June 21, 2025 at 11:20 AM
dccbeta.bsky.social
Hi Nancy, any ones in particular?

Any thoughts on the general #StreetArtBETA idea? dccbeta.ie/project/arti...
June 6, 2025 at 7:44 PM
dccbeta.bsky.social
To gain some early feedback on the proposal behind #StreetArtBETA, @thewallsproject.bsky.social interviewed 9 street artists / muralists.

Generally it would suggest that the proposal is on the right track but it also highlighted some aspects for further consideration as we develop the initiative. 👌
Executive Summary This report contains key insights from interviews conducted with a range of Dublin-based or Dublin-experienced muralists and street artists in March / April 2025. The purpose was to gather artist perspectives that may help to inform the development of the Dublin Street Art Initiative. The findings indicate strong support for the initiative across the board, with all agreeing that they and artists in general would avail of a database of walls and paint at their own initiative / expense. Artists highlighted what they felt were critical challenges such as access to walls, the burdens of the current planning system, and a need for clear guidelines and fair opportunities. Artists welcomed the concept of a stock of legally-paintable walls, with a preference for spaces that are safe, diverse, and curated with transparency. There is a broad artist consensus around the value of street art as public expression, the necessity for a more supportive system, and the importance of avoiding the commodification of mural space by advertising. This report is based on interviews with nine street artists carried out in March and April 2025. The group represents a diverse cross-section of artistic disciplines and styles, ranging from large-scale muralists to graffiti and paste-up artists. The interviewees included artists at different stages of their careers and reflected a mix of genders, cultural backgrounds, and artistic approaches. The aim was to capture a broad and balanced perspective on the current street art landscape and the potential for future initiatives in Dublin. Summary of Findings Access to Walls: • A near-universal complaint among artists is the difficulty in sourcing walls. Currently, artists must often both secure permission from wall owners and navigate planning regulations themselves. • Locations like the Docklands, Liberty Lane, and Cabra Park were cited as current painting areas, though concerns about safety, accessibility, and conditions (e.g. sanitation, biohazards) were frequently mentioned. • Artists across experience levels expressed enthusiasm for a database or stock of legally-paintable walls available for use. Planning and Bureaucracy: • The planning process is widely viewed as unworkable. Artists find timelines of 6-7 months incompatible with the nature of street art. • Many called for a quicker, clearer, more artist-friendly alternative to existing processes. • Artists felt that planners or council officials often do not understand the creative process or its practical challenges. Curation, Quality Control, and Fairness: • There is a call for transparent and fair curation, potentially managed by a third party rather than the Council. • Some artists worry about low-quality or offensive work emerging if there are no standards, while others fear over-policing of content. • A code of conduct or clear, simple guidelines (e.g. no obscenity, hate speech) would be broadly welcomed • Several suggested artist agreement to terms, potentially via online form or video module (e.g. Amsterdam model). Safety and Inclusivity: • Safety was highlighted as a key issue, especially for minority and women artists. Artists want spaces that are physically and socially safe. • Locations should be diverse and not limited to marginalised or underdeveloped areas. "Go to the posh areas too." Funding, Promotion and Commercial Concerns: • There was widespread concern about mural spaces being taken over by advertising, as seen in London. • While many artists rely on commercial work to make a living, they want to keep non-commercial creative spaces protected. • A flexible model where a percentage of walls can host sponsored or ad-based work (to fund non-commercial art) was among the suggestions. • Several artists suggested the development of a Dublin Mural Festival as a potential means to fund larger-scale murals and to raise the profile of Irish street art on an international stage. Time Limits and Lifespan: • Artists generally support time limits for murals, with 2-6 months seen as a fair duration. • Lifespan management is important for freshness and fairness, but some flexibility is needed depending on location and wall. Territoriality and Etiquette: • Most artists did not feel strongly territorial but noted that some etiquette around overpainting can exist. • Respect for relationships with wall owners and between artists. Opportunities for Growth and Experimentation: • Many artists called for space to experiment and hone their craft, including practice walls and support for emerging artists. • Some artists worry the system could only serve polished, established artists if curation is too rigid. Additional Mediums and Innovation: • There is interest in supporting a variety of street art mediums (e.g. paste-ups, augmented reality). International Comparisons: • Examples cited include Barcelona (Wallspot app), London's Waterloo Tunnel, and Dundalk's Seek Festival. • Several artists mentioned the Waterford Walls model positively. Conclusions The Dublin Street Art Initiative is widely welcomed by the artist community. From their point-of-view, it should provide access, fairness, clarity, and speed. All artists interviewed agreed that, given this resource, artists in general would avail of it and paint freely at their own initiative and expense. Some feedback and suggestions include: • Develop a central database or app with legal wall locations. • Create clear, fair guidelines and a code of conduct. • Varied wall types and safe, accessible locations. • A fast-track approval system, avoiding long planning delays. • A curation model involving independent voices. • Protect mural space from advertising takeover, while allowing space for commercial funding. • Support emerging artists with practice walls and mentorship. Appendix: Suggested Areas for Further Research • Wallspot app (Barcelona) • Waterford Walls • Seek Festival Rabbithole Promotions / Subset Amsterdam video module (terms-of-use / conduct agreement) London advertising takeover NAMA-owned walls Road Works mural project with Dublin Contemporary • Stockholm Murals
April 11, 2025 at 1:49 PM
dccbeta.bsky.social
For #StreetArtBETA @thewallsproject.bsky.social are looking for a street art location that is...

- not high profile location
- clearly defined shape
- smaller the better
- not a protected structure
- privately-owned wall

...and perhaps already has/had street art on it.

wallsproject.ie/dublinwalls
Street art mural in a window recess in London.
April 9, 2025 at 3:47 PM
dccbeta.bsky.social
💭

Can you think of a location in Dublin that would make a great 'canvas' for street art?

It could be small like a bricked-up window. Or it could be huge like the gable end of an office block.

Please send it onto @thewallsproject.bsky.social and also spread the word by reposting! 🙏

#StreetArtBETA
thewallsproject.bsky.social The Walls Project @thewallsproject.bsky.social · Mar 26
🎨Dublin Street Art Pilot Project🎨
As part of our project with @dccbeta.bsky.social we’re seeking wall suggestions in Dublin City Centre!
If you own a wall or know the perfect spot for a mural, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below! ⬇️
wallsproject.ie/dublinwalls/
March 26, 2025 at 12:56 PM
dccbeta.bsky.social
More info on #StreetArtBETA here bsky.app/profile/dccb...

Any questions, please let us know!
thewallsproject.bsky.social The Walls Project @thewallsproject.bsky.social · Mar 24
Great news! 🎨 We’re working with @dccbeta.bsky.social to co-develop Street Art BETA! This initiative aims to make it easier for street artists to create public art in Dublin City. We've had great conversations with artists about the project and are excited to see it evolve!
March 24, 2025 at 3:18 PM
dccbeta.bsky.social
It was fantastic to have our kick-off meeting with @thewallsproject.bsky.social - who we're going to be working with to co-develop #StreetArtBETA!

Make sure to give them a follow!

You can follow the status of all BETA Projects here trello.com/b/8jXnfMIO/b...
Screenshot of kanban board of projects - from this https://trello.com/b/8jXnfMIO/beta-project-pipeline Street art in piloting stage
March 5, 2025 at 11:31 AM
dccbeta.bsky.social
Lots of street art around Waterford City - via the #WaterfordWalls annual event. @waterfordcouncil.bsky.social

Cc #StreetArtBETA @thewallsproject.bsky.social 3/n
View of a bridge in foreground with a person crossing over. Beneath is a still river, sharply reflecting a vibrant street art mural on a gable wall behind. A facade in a streetscape with bright colours. The street feels clean and neat and cared for. QR code for www.wallsproject.ie QR code for Street Art Ink
February 7, 2025 at 10:37 AM
dccbeta.bsky.social
This is the idea behind #StreetArtBETA in the background.
dccbeta.ie/project/arti...

From street artist perspective:
1. If find potential location, send it to a Street Art Coordinator.
2. At any time, see a public map of all 'canvases' (eg imagine 1,000 canvases).
3. Paint / apply+paint.

Thoughts?
A drawing showing street art planning process mirroring how commercial advertising is considered - the local authority considering the location and context only, not the content. However then the content is backed by an appeals process which can assess content as necessary.
November 16, 2024 at 10:58 AM
dccbeta.bsky.social
What are we currently working on?

Following on from some previous trials, we're currently progressing #StreetArtBETA - exploring an initiative to (hopefully 🤞) make it simple for street artists to produce great art in all the right places. dccbeta.ie/project/arti...

(Mural pictured artbyeoin.com)
Long horizontal piece of street art - a striking close-up of a woman's eyes, with her hair blowing around her face.
November 15, 2024 at 1:51 PM