The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and IPUT Real Estate today (Thursday 27 August 2026) announced a two-year extension of their partnership, Living Canvas at IMMA, by launching The Park Series: Living Canvas by IPUT at IMMA as a celebration of the next chapter of this pioneering cultural collaboration. The Park Series has been curated by writer and curator Gemma Tipton, bringing together a diverse range of moving image works that reflect the creativity, innovation and artistic ambition that have defined Living Canvas since its inception in 2021 at IPUT’s Wilton Park development.
Running from 27 August to 10 September 2026, The Park Series: Living Canvas by IPUT at IMMA celebrates both the legacy and future of Living Canvas through a vibrant programme of film, poetry and family screenings on IMMA’s Front Lawn.
Presenting a selection of work by Irish and international artists from the original Living Canvas at Wilton Park programme, the line-up includes Poetry on Film with Literary Lunchtimes, Animation Weekends for families, and screenings featuring artists David OReilly, Alan Gilsenan, Kevin McGloughlin, Simon Reilly, John Beattie, Sofia Crespo and Feileacan McCormick.
When first installed on the banks of the Grand Canal in November 2021, Living Canvas was the largest outdoor digital screen dedicated solely to the arts in Europe, and only the second of its kind in the world. Over ten successful seasons, Living Canvas showcased the work of more than 100 artists and writers, including new commissions of Irish and international work. Initiated by IPUT Real Estate, Living Canvas quickly became an important part of Dublin’s cultural infrastructure, demonstrating the transformative potential of culture-led placemaking and creating new opportunities for artists and audiences to connect in the public realm.
In 2024 Living Canvas found a new home on the grounds of IMMA through a partnership between IMMA and IPUT Real Estate. Together, the organisations have created a radically public cultural platform that extends beyond the Museum walls, enabling audiences to encounter contemporary art in an accessible and welcoming outdoor environment. The screen operates daily, including when the Museum buildings are closed, making art available to audiences in new and unexpected ways.
Niall Gaffney, Chief Executive, IPUT Real Estate, said:
“At IPUT, we believe that culture plays an essential role in creating vibrant and successful cities. Living Canvas is a tangible expression of our commitment to placemaking and to supporting artists, audiences and communities. We are delighted to extend our partnership with IMMA and to celebrate this next phase while also reflecting of the project’s legacy through The Park Series.”
Annie Fletcher, Director, IMMA, said:
“The Park Series is a celebration of everything that was achieved at Wilton Park and a testament to IPUT Real Estate’s continued commitment to supporting Ireland’s cultural sector. Since arriving at IMMA, 750,000 visitors have experienced Living Canvas and it has provided over 3,800 hours of free public engagement with contemporary art and culture. Having this resource has transformed how we connect with audiences and has significantly enhanced our impact and reach. I am delighted that Living Canvas will continue to animate IMMA’s front lawn for another two years, providing a dynamic platform for artistic innovation and integrating contemporary art into daily life in the city.”
A highlight of The Park Series will be the event Spaces for Art on 1 September 2026, bringing together artists, curators and placemakers to explore the role of public space in supporting creativity and cultural participation. The discussion will feature Mary Cremin, Head of Programming, IMMA; Niall Gaffney, Chief Executive, IPUT Real Estate; artists Alan Gilsenan and Ruth Lyons; and will be moderated by Gemma Tipton. The event will be accompanied by two days of screenings including Simon Reilly’s Mind’s Eye, John Beattie’s An Artist, The Studio, and all the rest… and Alan Gilsenan’s Ghosts of Baggotonia.
The renewed partnership will build on the significant impact already achieved through Living Canvas. Since its arrival at IMMA, the platform has generated a social media reach of more than 1.3 million, featured more than 100 Irish and international artists, and has become a focal point for festivals, screenings, public conversations and artistic experimentation. Through the extension of the partnership, IMMA and IPUT Real Estate will continue to develop Living Canvas as one of Ireland’s leading platforms for public engagement with contemporary art, ensuring that culture remains visible, accessible and freely available to all.
– ENDS –
For further information and images please contact:
Monica Cullinane E: [email protected] T: 086 2010023
Patrice Molloy E: [email protected] T: 086 2009957
IMMA Press Office: E: [email protected]
Editors Notes:
The Park Series
Living Canvas by IPUT at IMMA
27 August – 10 Sept 2026
Presenting a selection of work by Irish and international artists from Living Canvas at Wilton Park: the programme includes poetry on film with literary lunchtimes, weekend animation mornings for families, and films by David OReilly, Alan Gilsenan, Kevin McGloughlin, Simon Reilly, John Beattie, Sofia Crespo and Feileacan McCormick including;
David OReilly, Eye of the Dream, 2018
Alan Gilsenan, Ghosts of Baggotonia, 2023
Kevin McGloughlin, Repetition, 2019
Feileacan McCormick and Sofia Crespo, Sediment Nodes, 2021/2022
Spaces for Art event screenings:
Simon Reilly, Mind’s Eye, 2026
John Beattie, An Artist, The Studio, and all the rest…, 2006-2012
Animation Weekends:
Lorraine Lordan, A Cat Called Jam
Carol Freeman, The Bird and the Whale
Chris Haughton, Well Done, Mummy Penguin
Avery Angle, The Small Makings of a Storm
Farouk Alao, Poem by Catherine Ann Cullen, Buzzin
Conor Finnegan, Fear of Flying
Literary Lunchtimes
The Poetry Project
Originally commissioned as part of the Culture Programme of Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2013, The Poetry Project paired contemporary Irish poetry with videos by contemporary Irish artists, curated by Gemma Tipton with Patrick Murphy and Gerry Smyth. Ten Poetry Project films were shown on Living Canvas at Wilton Park, and we are pleased to present six of these.
Artist: Cléa van der Grijn, Niesje. Poet: Vona Groarke, The Clutch Handbag
Artist: Aideen Barry, Beyond the Flock. Poet: Máire Mhac an tSaoi, A fhir dar fhulaing
Artist: Nick Miller, The Colours. Poet: John F Deane, The Colours
Artist: Anne Ffrench, until the end. Poet: Iggy McGovern, The Irish Poem Is
Artist: Susan Tiger, Video for “War”. Poet: Enda Wyley, War
Artist: Grace Weir, The Turning Point. Poet: Derek Mahon, Everything Is Going To Be All Right
Poetry on Film
Commissioned by the Adrian Brinkerhoff Poetry Foundation and produced by Poetry Ireland, Matthew Thompson’s films bring life to new and beloved poems. Our chosen films from the programme showed at Wilton Park feature Dawn Watson, Sarah Clancy, FELISPEAKS, Clare Dunne, Paula Meehan, Doireann Ní Ghríofa and Kayssie K.
Also shown is:
Anthony Woods, Text by Colm Tóibín, Canal Water
Visit imma.ie for detailed programme