Art meets fun in Clonakilty housing estate

ARTISTS Carmel Creaner and Anne Kiely have joined with Cork County Council and residents of Eastát Garrán Feá in Clonakilty to launch a largescale outdoor game locals to enjoy.

The art installation was developed under the Per Cent for Art scheme, a government initiative, whereby 1% of the cost of any publicly-funded capital, infrastructural and building development can be allocated to the commissioning of a work of art.

Carmel Creaner and Anne Kiely were selected to work with residents to develop the outdoor game installation that references the flora and fauna of the Beechgrove area in Clonakilty, as well as the creativity and imagination of the participants who decided on the designs, rules and aim of the game. 

County mayor Danny Collins with Ger O’Driscoll (Cork CoCo) and artists Anne Kiely and Carmel Creaner at the unveiling of the game. (Photo: Anna Groniecka)

From the initial consultation and workshop phase in Spring 2022, to laying the final paving stones for the game in Spring 2023, it has been an exciting and creative year in Beechgrove. 

Originally farmland, the estate is home to mature trees, a bat habitat and several breeds of birds. It was important to the artists and residents that the artwork complimented its surroundings. 

The Clonakilty housing development recently won an All-Ireland award for Best Social Housing Project of 2023. 

Elsewhere in the county, artist Peadar Lamb is developing new work for Binn na gCléireach, a housing development in Kilnagleary, Carrigaline. 

A project is also in the pipeline for Skibbereen. 

All artists are selected from the 2021 – 2024 housing public art panel.