The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and IPUT Real Estate today 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 O’Reilly, 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.
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