A ground breaking public art installation known as ‘The Portal’ is now open! The Portal is here to form a visual bridge between New York City and Dublin, so go give the city that never sleeps a wave!
What is it?
The Portal installation is part of programme of events that will be taking place as part of Dublin’s recent designation as European City of Smart Tourism 2024.
Conceived by Lithuanian artist and entrepreneur Benediktas Gylys, these Portals are an invitation to meet fellow humans in a way that transcends borders and differences to experience our world as it really is – united and one. The livestream of Portals provides a window between distant locations, allowing people to meet outside of their social circles and cultures.
Benediktas Gylys, shared his perspective on the project’s significance:
“Portals aim to be a bridge to a united planet. I am grateful to the cities of Dublin and New York for pioneering innovation and welcoming their Portal sculptures, which is a significant milestone after years of work. From the initial two cities of Vilnius, Lithuania and Lublin, Poland, Portals are now expanding to be a global network. This is just the beginning and our team will continue bringing Portals to large cities and little towns of planet Earth.”
Where is it?
The Portal in Dublin is installed facing the capital’s main street, O’Connell Street and will capture the iconic vista of both Dublin’s famous GPO building and the Spire together offering the public a real-time, visual livestream that connects these two iconic cities.
In New York City, the Portal will be installed on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, next to the famed Flatiron Building, and will be presented by the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program (NYC DOT Art) and the Simons Foundation.
Cultural bonds, strengthened
The Portals project symbolises Dublin’s commitment to connecting not just within the EU but also with cities like New York, which we share a deep historical and cultural bond with. This project exemplifies the fusion of technology and engineering to bring communities from across the world closer together. One of our key objectives in Dublin is to improve innovation in tourism through a number of initiatives, and this project is an example of the exciting things to expect during 2024 and beyond, says Daithí de Róiste, The Lord Mayor of Dublin.
James Mettham, President of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership highlighted that this real-time connection between two iconic public spaces in global cities on either side of the Atlantic will bring people together, both physically and digitally, becoming a captivating attraction for New Yorkers and visitors alike
The Portal New York City and Dublin Ireland connection will be from spring 2024 through the Autumn of the same year. In addition to the real-time connection, there will be 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 the New York Design Week Festival.
For more information and to find out what’s happening and will be taking place in Dublin for the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism visit here.
