The Central Bank is inviting proposals for sculptures on two sites facing Cope Street, behind the Bank's main offices in Dame Street, Dublin. The brief invites artists working and living in Ireland to create innovative and original work for these locations.

In announcing the competition, Central Bank Governor, John Hurley, said:

Our building and the surrounding plaza are landmarks in this part of the city. Thousands of people pass every day - members of the public and many foreign visitors. I hope that this competition will bring something new and exciting to this space that faces into the revitalised Temple Bar area.

This is the first public-art commission undertaken by the Central Bank since the unveiling in 1991 of Crann an Óir, Eamonn O'Doherty's well-known sculpture on the Plaza.

A panel of experts, chaired by Patrick Murphy, Director of the Royal Hibernian Academy, has been appointed to assist the Board of the Bank in judging this competition. They include Dr.Síghle Bhreathnach-Lynch (National Gallery), Pat Cooney (Office of Public Works), Olivier Dowling (Arts Council), Eilís O'Baoill (Visual Artists Ireland), Rachael Thomas (IMMA) and the architect Sam Stephenson.

The competition will be held in two stages. The closing date for the first stage is 30 June 2006. Entry forms and a full brief are available by e-mail: clynekelly@eircom.net (telephone +353 1 677 0107).