Initiative to put life back into Town Centre

The launch of the Cuckoo Initiative, a project which aims at putting life into the town centre by turning vacant shops into showcases for local artists, takes place on Friday August 20th at 48 Clanbrassil Street.

The use of vacant buildings as exhibition space for artists is a growing trend internationally with a number of high profile projects in New York, Britain and Austrailia.

Here in Dundalk, the Cuckoo Initiative is a non-profit organisation which came about when a group of people got together in response to the increase of vacant properties in the town centre and the decrease in arts and cultural events.

Facebook page was set up and meetings took place with those interested in getting involved to bring artistic life into the town centre. Having looked at projects undertaken in other towns and cities, they decided to concentrate on Clanbrassil Street due to its historical importance. Their first project is to turn empty shopunits into gallery windows to showcase local artists.

The unit at 48 Clanbrassil Street has been transformed into an installation feauturing the work of Bridge Studio artists Sarah McKenna, Michele Haechlar, Ciara Agnew and Orla Barry.

'It is hoped using these empty spaces for something positive will draw attention back to the street and stimulate interest for more long term occupation of the premises' said a spokesperson.

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