Minister of State Brian Hayes and Minister of State Lucinda Creighton today announced details of an exhibition of Irish contemporary art that will tour a number of prestigious European venues to celebrate our EU Presidency and our 40 years as a member of the European Union.

Minister of State Brian Hayes and Minister of State Lucinda Creighton at 40/40/40 Exhibition in Dublin

‌The 40/40/40 exhibition comprises works from the Office of Public Works (OPW) managed State Art Collection by 40 artists under the age of 40, who are Irish or are based in Ireland. The exhibition includes photography, drawing, sculpture and painting to represent the diversity of current visual art practices which have been drawn from over 15,000 pieces managed by OPW that are usually located in the public buildings throughout Ireland.

Reviewing the collection, Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD, said:

“Our Presidency is an opportunity to help provide leadership on critical policy issues in Europe, but is also an opportunity for us to showcase Ireland on a European and world stage. This exhibition shows another side of Ireland from the one that may have dominated European headlines for the last few years – an Ireland that is young, diverse, creative and confident.”

Minister of State with Special Responsibilty for the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes said:

“This exhibition will bring the work of talented young artists in Ireland to the attention of audiences in some of the cultural centres of Europe. It is a statement of the strength of our artistic community as well as our strong commitment and connectedness to Europe. ”

Minister Creighton - This exhibition shows another side of Ireland from the one that may have dominated European headlines for the last few years – an Ireland that is young, diverse, creative and confident.

The exhibition will be inaugurated in the Conde Duque Cultural Centre in Madrid on 20 March and is also scheduled to travel to Warsaw and Rome during the Irish Presidency. The exhibition is being organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Office of Public Works. The Ministers expressed their strong appreciation of the excellent cooperation that their staff and the Embassies in each country had encountered from all the venues hosting the exhibition. The exhibition will be the occasion in each location for the wider promotion of Ireland.

Read the full catalogue of the exhibition, containing all of the artworks.

Hugely inspiring.