Category Archives: Culture

The Boulevard of Equals

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Tread softly because you tread on our dream - Say Yes, Vote Yes

Tread softly because you tread on our dream – Say Yes, Vote Yes

TREAD SOFTLY BECAUSE YOU TREAD ON A DREAM – VOTE YES IN MAY

The forthcoming referendum on marriage equality offers a new generation of citizens the opportunity to have their values enshrined in the Irish constitution.  As it stands at the moment, the Constitution endorses a narrow faith-based definition of marriage rather than a definition that recognises the human and civil rights of all.

For too long Irish society has been managed by an unholy alliance of Church and State; there was only one way, the Catholic way.  There was no consideration given to the great mystery of how a human being, in its different shapes and forms, like a sturdy tree, evolves, grows and flourishes.  The constitution is not written in stone, but is a living document which should reflect the aspirations of all the citizens of the country.  This referendum is not about sexuality; it is about equality under the constitution – a hard fought for republican constitution which embraces the grand idea that no single individual nor institution should have domination.  It is time for the institutional Catholic Church and its supporters to realize that they can no longer expect their brand of virtue to be foisted upon others.  The relationship between citizens, their faith, their religion, their spirituality, their God and indeed their marriage choices are personal ones and our constitution must change now to protect the expression of those choices.

It is not surprising that those who, for centuries, have held a monopoly on what is deemed to be moral would be scared of change.  After all, religion and religious organisations have always been in the business of the religious business and sought to keep their customers loyal by whatever means possible – means ranging from burning at the stake to forced adoptions, destruction of family life, excommunication etc.  Those of us who have lived here long enough know too well the damage done when people are ruled by fear, exclusion, punishment and penalty.

God never failed anyone that I know who believes in God or a God, but I know tens of thousands of people who have walked away from the Catholic Church because they were betrayed, because they were let down, because they were damaged, because the Irish church was wrong.  There are many still whom I meet on a regular basis who are hurt, disappointed and who continue to go to church only to pray for answers and solutions to the decline of their church and to ease their own personal hurt and confusion about the behaviour of some members of the catholic clergy and of the church leadership.

If we don’t mature and become responsible citizens and go out in May and create a document that is fit for purpose, well then we all fall back. Things are changing in Ireland; they have been for some time and a “yes” vote will acknowledge and claim that change.  We don’t lose anything by voting YES.  We gain.  Irish society gains.   The constitution is a statement of our aspirations and many of us want Ireland to be a place where all our citizens can grow and flourish.  This is not a black and white issue about sexuality and sexual identity.  It’s not even a moral issue.  It’s an issue of legal and constitutional right and the freedom to express that right and for that right to be protected under the constitution.

Changing the constitution is what gives it life.  It is not a dusty old document under glass in a controlled atmosphere in some museum.  The constitution of Ireland is a flesh and blood document that lives and breathes alongside and with us.  It is the document from which our legislation flows and the laws of this republic should never endorse inequality in any shape or form.  It must give equal opportunity to all.  No exceptions.  The present Government are to be commended for bringing this referendum forward, but it is worth bearing in mind that it is highly unlikely that they would present the Irish public with an amendment to the constitution that is going to threaten our way of life in any shape or form.  I will be supporting the change to the constitution and I call on my fellow artists and all those in the cultural community to support an end to discrimination and exclusion. Equality now and always, till death do us part.

A talk by Dr Gabriella Calchi-Novati at Forsaken exhibition

Gallery

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This gallery contains 18 photos.

A talk by Dr Gabriella Calchi-Novati at Forsaken exhibition, Dollard House, Wellington Quay Dublin. The Space of Gerard Mannix Flynn’s “Performances of Inclusion”: Forsaken Heterotopias Continue reading →

Motion in support of Gay Russian Community

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Cllr Flynn Motion May 2014

Cllr Flynn Motion May 2014

The motion above was before Dublin City Council at its monthly meeting in April. It was postponed for a month as one Councillor associated it with censorship and questioned whether it was supported by the gay community etc. The exhibition itself is by artists who are long deceased and relates to the Russian Revolution and it is meant to coincide with the 2016 celebration. It is in no way an act of censorship it is more in line with sanctions and challenges that are designed to oppose the manner in which Putin has threatened the gay community in Russia.

The Gay community the world over and indeed many in society at large are absolutely appalled at the draconian measures that have been brought into legislation to suppress and oppress the Gay community of Russia. As an artist and a politician, I am wholeheartedly opposed to these measures, hence, the motion. Please indicate your support by sharing this motion and if you email me mannix.flynn@dublincity.ie I will forward your support to the Council meeting tomorrow (Monday 12th May) where I will speak on this motion.

Many artists from musicians to visual arts are withdrawing from scheduled concerts and artistic events such as Documenta 10 in solidarity with the Russian Gay Community.

 

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/arts_n_ideas/article/manifesta-10-plays-down-concerns-about-russia/497323.html

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/05/russia-anti-gay-law-criticism-playing-into-putin-hands

 

https://www.allout.org/en/actions/russia-attacks

The Cutlers, Thomas Reads, in miniature by Tom Hudson

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The Cutlers, Thomas Reads, Parliament Street Dublin

The Cutlers, Thomas Reads, Parliament Street Dublin – Miniature model by Tom Hudson

Reads LH window

The genius of the visual literature of miniature. After years of vigilance regarding the protection and preservation of Thomas Reads, The Cutlers in Parliament Street, a building loved by Dubliners and the world over, of all the things to fall into my lap and hands, these photos of Tom Hudson’s miniature models of Thomas Reads in around the early 1970tys are certainly the most wondrous and precious.

Fantastic to have confirmed that actual models in these photos are still in existence in the hands of a collector (Charles Dudley) of Tom Hudson’s works.

 

Here is vanished history in great detail rendered back for today’s society.  How important are these works is anyone’s guess.  But the fact that they are here I’m sure is going to be to everybody’s delight.  Take a closer look and enter the window of Thomas Reads for a true bit of window shopping into the past. Notice the matchbox and its size and then you get a sense of scale of the detail. James Joyce would be proud.  As they say, you can rebuild Dublin from Ulysses but here is certainly one of its oldest shops, actualized in miniature in extraordinary detail.  As alive now as ever it was.

Reads RH window

Reads Right Hand Window in miniature

Reads door

Doors of Thomas Reads, in miniature

Election Benefit Performance – Ind. Mannix Flynn, Pembroke South Dock

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JamesX-Fundraiser-1There will be an Local Election fundraiser performance of ‘James X’ for Independent Cllr. Mannix Flynn (Pembroke South Dock candidate) at the Sugar Club, 8 Lower Leeson Street, on Tuesday April 29th at 8pm.

All welcome.

Admission €20 …thereabouts….

Gabriel Byrne with Mannix in NY

Gabriel Byrne, Director of James X with Mannix in NY

Claremorris Open Exhibition – Closing date for entries June 13th

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Selma Makela

Claremorris Open Exhibition is, in my opinion, one of the best run shows in the country.  Artists interested in submitting work please see the website below.  It is now possible to send in entries online.  Its always worth traveling West in September to experience COE.

 

COE ’14 will run from 21st September to 12th October Entry forms are now available to download from our website www.coearts.org

It is also possible to enter on-line this year.

Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday, 13th June.

COE ’14 Curator is Michelle Cotton, senior curator at Firstsite in Colchester. A graduate of English at King’s College London and the History of Art MA at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London.

Michelle Cotton has curated over 30 exhibitions and film screenings including projects at Kettles Yard, Cambridge; Tate Britain, Tate Modern, London; Tate St Ives, Whitechapel Gallery, London and Neuer Berliner Kunstverein including solo exhibitions by Michel Auder, Henning Bohl, Wolfgang Breuer, Christodoulos Panayiotou, Paul Sietsema and Stephen Sutcliffe.

She has published numerous reviews, essays and articles and is the author of the recently published Design Research Unit 1942 – 72 (Koenig Books, 2011). Michelle was awarded the Curatorial Bursary at Cubitt, London in 2009. She has been part of the panel for New Acquisitions at LUX (2006–2008) and a Specialist Advisor to the Scottish Arts Council (2006–2010). She is a member of the Acquisitions Committee for the collection at the FRAC Champagne-Ardenne, Reims and a selector for the Contemporary Art Society’s Annual Award for Museum’s 2012.

Press Release from owner of Thomas Reads, The Cutlers

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Please see Press Release attached from the owners of Thomas Read’s, Ireland’s Oldest Shop. See also this link http://thegentlemansoldier.com/Thomas-Read-of-Dublin.html for additional information.

10th March 2014

Reeds, Number 4 Parliament Street, Dublin 2

 

In response to and clarification of RTE’s Morning Ireland coverage on 7th March 2014

 Background

No 4 Parliament Street is a private property owned by a private individual who having acquired the building two years ago, wishes to restore the property to its original status as a cutlery shop and as a private home.

The owner’s interest is in the conservation not renovation of both the building and the original shop.

It is not going to be developed nor refurbished, no change of use is planned and the business is to be reopened.

The owner has invested considerable time and resources in the conservation and restoration of the building over the last two years, including the following:

  • A world renowned author on history of the family, its business and the store.
  • A senior archivist was appointed to archive thousands of the products and materials found within the building.
  • All works to date including the archiving have been photographed and filmed for future publication.

With regard to the issue of the building being closed to the public:

 The building has been closed for almost 20 years.

The owner has appointed Kelly and Cogan Conservation Architects and has completed a considerable amount of conservation research into the building and over the last year, With the assistance of Dublin City Council, have already and continue to implement maintenance repair and conservation work . This work might not be highly visible but it is absolutely critical and ongoing.

 

Given the nature of the work it is expected that the building work will not be completed, subject to planning for at least 18 months.

–       ends –

Any questions relating to the architecture please contact:

Mr James Kelly RIAI RIBA

Kelly and Cogan

Architects and Design Consultants

81 North King Street

Smithfield

Dublin 7

Tel:   01 8721295

Fax:  01 8747476

The Oldest Shop in Dublin, 4 Parliament Street

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sword wall

This building was sold over a year ago.  Prior to that it had been closed to the public for almost 10 years.  When I lived over Thomas Reads I kept my eye on the building and the flooding that was taking place at the back of the premises.  A lot of work was done to divert the water into Crane lane and I have been into this premises ‘The Cutlers’ on many occasions over the past few years, making sure the cabinets and interiors were still on the premises and not getting damaged. Those artifacts should be immediately handed over to the care of the relevant conservationists for safe keeping.

They include the historical ledgers, silverware and some beautiful cabinets.  There were many attempts by local individuals to acquire this premises from the agents and receivers but to no avail. I personally tried to get Dublin City Council to acquire the premises with the help of the conservation section of DCC.  I felt that this building gave an enormous cultural credibility to the Temple Bar area not to forget that it was on this roof and adjoining roof of 3 Parliament St,  that one of the first teenagers was shot and killed in the 1916 rebellion.  Joe Duffy has written extensively and expertly on this matter.

Indeed the new owner of Thomas Reads public house itself and the Oak Bar, I believe, would be very interested in restoring this premises and also that would keep it open to the public.  The premises extends right into Crane Lane and it is a must see even in its present dilapidated state.  The Cutlers themselves supplied many a sword to the Dublin gentry as well as the English gentry who visited.  They could even be regarded as an armourer.  Indeed the whole street Parliament Street is an ideal street along with Capel Street for  a total upgrade and a bit of nurture.  To get the picture one needs to view these streets from the windows of the City Hall Chambers where you can get the view of the upper architectural features and streetscape with a spectacular view as far down as Bolton Street.

Its grand and easy to wax lyrically about Merrion Square, Mountjoy Square but the likes of Parliament Street and Capel Street could crumble to dust if we don’t start caring as citizens about our built environment. What is an enormous disgrace here is that this dilapidation happened right beside City Hall and I have raised the issue time and time again.  I got so concerned that I brought the conservation officers from DCC into the building early last year and got them to document every single item and fabric of the building.  They assured me that the building itself was a protected structure. (ref. 6322). I raised concerns before Christmas and I raised concerns over two months ago when I noticed that the front door could be pushed open and was not secured.

I really believe that this building should have been brought into the family of buildings under the charge of DCC but I have to ask what about the other buildings that DCC own that are as equally important that the city council have had for over 20 years that are in an appalling state? Henrietta Street is just one example.

The only solution is to be proactive and it is probably time for a new association or a new organisation along the lines of An Taisce, The Georgian Society and the Civic Trust thats 21st century to deal not just with the conservation and built heritage issues in Dublin but the issues throughout the country.

We need to get much more energized, politicized if we are to be effective.  We have to bring these buildings back into living use.  Everyday use.  For everyone. Buildings for the public to enjoy.

Here is DCC Conservation Officer reply to the present concerns regarding this building.

This building is included on the City Council’s Register of Protected Structures (ref. 6322). Under the provisions of Part IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2013, responsibility for its maintenance and freedom from endangerment lies with the owner.

Two exemption certificates were granted for stated repair and maintenance works to the property, 4 Parliament Street   in October 2012, Reg reference 0140/12  was for  specified  works for  repair and maintenance works to the roof including repair to  rain water goods .This  work has  taken place. Prior to this , the owner had been actively working with the City Council and the Dept of AHG on a programme of works to progress the   opening of  the building as a shop with a residence overhead.

The weathering of the horizontal beam over the fascia signage needs to be attended to as a matter of urgency, and this has been  conveyed to the owner’s architect.

It should be noted that there are ongoing negotiations  taking place between the owner and the adjoining public house “Thomas Reads” .This relates to the  issue of  rainwater spilling from that premises into a void area of  number 4 Parliament Street.   This is a civil matter between the two owners .

Number 4 Parliament Street is currently unoccupied and a full internal and external inspection is being arranged with the owner. Any works required for the safety of the Building will be brought to the owner’s attention and  enforcement proceedings will be initiated if necessary.

 http://www.olddublintown.com/thomas-reads-1670.html

https://www.storehouse.co/stories/c8dv-selling-off-the-silverware

Exchange, Temple Bar

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Bill Hastings

Bill Hastings, Hanover Street, Dublin

In response to all who wrote to me regarding the situation at the Exchange Space in Temple Bar, thank you for your correspondence and the commitment that you’ve all shown for the Exchange and its ideas.

However, over the past two years serious issues have arisen in the area.  The primary issue is one of anti-social behaviour.  While this anti-social behaviour issue is a general issue for Temple Bar area itself, there emerged a specific issue around Exchange and some of its users.  There also arose an issue around certain weaknesses in the management of the building that Exchange uses.  On many occasions the residents in the housing complex at Smock Alley have witnessed and experienced threatening and abusive behaviour and in the many meetings that we have had with them both on the street and also in formal meetings that were attended by all stakeholders in the area (business, Exchange and Residents) these concerns were established as fact.

Initially Exchange responded positively to better management suggestions of the space and the issues abated.  However, they quickly reemerged to the concerns of residents who clearly identified the Exchange as a main source of their concerns.  Prior to the suspension a meeting was organized to take place between Exchange staff and DCC staff and the interim CEO of Temple Bar Cultural Trust (who own the building) to work out an amicable arrangement for the continuation of Exchange’s program at another location. Below is the answer to a question that I put before the Area manager of Dublin city Council.

I would like to say that I’ve continuously supported the Exchange in their activities and also in doing my best to retain them at their present location at Exchange Street.  I have liaised with the staff there for over four years now and have been staunch.  However it became very obvious that certain things needed to change in this area and in the management and the way it was being run.  This area is a residential area and people need to live together and cooperate together and show respect. That respect and trust broke down and now it needs to be fixed.  It was suggested that the Exchange be suspended for a period of 3 months at the most recent meeting to give everybody a chance to cool off, identify the source of the problem and take it from there.

It would have been better for Exchange management to explain to their supporters what this whole situation was about rather then creating the one sided affair that was making them out to be the victims.  Its this lack of responsibility to the overall area thats at the core of the issue here.

This is all normal stuff that goes on in the everday.  Its called solutions to problems.  It is not an attack on Exchange or its values.  It is about protecting Exchange, its values and the values of the neighbourhood, the residents and the local business community as well as visitors to the area.

Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the Manager issue a report regarding the issue of unacceptable behaviour in and around Essex Street West, Cows Lane, Smock Alley?  This report also to include what methods are being employed to ensure effective management of Exchange centre at Essex St.

 Reply:

The Dublin City Council team at Temple Bar Cultural Trust(TBCT) have met with the Exchange following on a residents, councillors, businesses and Gardai meeting arranged by South East Area Office on Jan 23.

At a meeting between the CEO of TBCT and representatives of the Exchange on January 29th 2014. The following was agreed:

1.     The Exchange is a very valuable resource for many young people and has a dedicated group of volunteers working very hard to run events and provide a centre were young people can develop and express themselves though cultural and other social activities.

2.     TBCT and its owner, Dublin City Council, have understandable concerns for the competent and secure operation of the building and have had to deal with serious complaints from residents and businesses about growing anti-social behaviour in and around Exchange Street that affects everyone in the area including the Exchange and where some former members of the Exchange may be involved.  The Exchange has worked hard to address this but cannot do so alone.

3.     In order to protect and develop this service and to distance The Exchange from this behaviour, TBCT and Dublin City Council will assist The Exchange in vacating the building starting on Saturday February 1st 2014.  This will involve TBCT taking control of the building and over the week of February 3rd 2014 helping the Exchange move their equipment and furniture out.  Events at the Exchange that have been organised and booked in advance may still take place up to February 8 2014 by agreement with TBCT.

4.     It is Dublin City Council’s and TBCT’s intention to develop a working partnership with The Exchange and to help this co-operative develop new management structures and formal engagement with statutory agencies.

5.     It is also Dublin City Council’s/TBCT’s wish that the residents and businesses of the West End of Temple Bar be given the opportunity to review the anti-social behaviour in the area without the Exchange present for at least a period of three months.

6.     TBCT will on an event by event basis allow the Exchange to use Culture Box on East Essex Street subject to availability and written agreement. Culture Box may also be used by both parties to meet and work on future plans together.

7.     All sides acknowledge that in the short term events will be cancelled and young people will be disappointed and that this is regrettable, however all concerned want to focus on long term development.

8.     A review of this agreement will take place every month on the 1st of the month or as close to as possible.  After three months the viability of re-entering the current building will be assessed.

9.     Dublin City Council will use its best offices to secure another building for The Exchange if re-entry is not viable.

Meanwhile the South East Area Office and the Dublin City Council team at TBCT will work closely with all involved and the Gardai to continue to address anti-social behaviour in this area.

 

The Devoured Landscape Dublin

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Designed by Michael Scott 1944

Designed by Michael Scott 1944

Its outrageous with the housing crisis in this country and this city that these beautiful blocks of flats are to be destroyed, demolished, disappeared forever. The rejuvenation process and the monies for it have not been decided upon. There are hundreds of people homeless on our streets, thousands on the waiting lists.
I’ve been inside this unique block and in my opinion it is well worth maintaining. Beautiful light, curved walls (no corners), excellent sized rooms, truly a wonderful piece of architecture and so well built.

My fathers family came from Charlemont Street long ago and as a child I played around up here and always admired the difference of Ffrench Mullan flats. The difference creates curiosity, fills the mind and the spirit and encourages one to explore.

This site will be rendered to a speculator who will build a tiny amount of social housing and a substantial amount of commercial enterprise and private apartments. The residents of Charlemont Street, Tom Kelley flat complex have been left in a deplorable situation by Dublin City Council, the Irish Government and builder speculators. The same is the case for the residents of O Devaney Gardens, Dorset Street, Dolphins Barn, Fatima Mansions to name but a few. Who knows when this community will enter into their new homes on site because there is certainly another 5-10 years of development of this particular city centre location.

Today there is a small gathering of residents and former residents of Charlemont and Tom Kelley flats and Ffrench Mullan house along with public representatives to bid farewell to these blocks prior to their demolition. For me, it will be one of great sadness and disappointment because I see this as a further erosion and dispossession of city communities and their culture.

Article from today’s Irish Times on the demolition of Ffrench Mullan House http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/demolition-of-charlemont-street-flats-begins-despite-stalled-regeneration-plan-1.1663523

Archiseek description of Ffrench Mullan House http://archiseek.com/2010/1944-ffrench-mullan-house-charlemont-street-dublin/#.Ut_Zh6566P8