To mark Irish Language Week 2021, Derry City and Strabane District Council would like to commission an artist to develop a new and original piece of work inspired by an excerpt from the Gaelic verse ‘The Deer’s Cry’, which is attributed to St Patrick.

This verse, which is drawn from St Patrick’s breastplate, is also known as the Lorica, and is considered to be a timeless hymn to the natural world. It has been specifically chosen as the theme for this commission as it evokes a unifying message of hope and resilience and speaks to the themes of renewal and rebirth in the face of challenges.

Artists are invited to submit a proposal outlining how they would create a new and original artwork in response to the theme in their chosen art-form and featuring the text of the verse.

One artist will be selected to take forward their idea.

The artist must be able to submit a digital version the finished piece of work (e.g. digital video format, digital image format or digital audiovisual or multi-media project) in order to be eligible for hosting/presenting digitally on the web.

The completed work must incorporate either the Old Irish or Modern Irish verse, or indeed both. The English verse may also be included. The artist can be creative about how the text is included, whether visually or as a spoken or sung lyric, but the verse must be evident in the piece.

Applications from individual artists and/or collaborative proposals are welcome.

See link below for further details.