27k profile pictures comprise new mural

Tourism Ireland today unveiled its Culture Wall in Londonderry, the culmination of a major innovative promotion undertaken by the organisation this year, to celebrate the citys term as UK City of Culture.

Tens of thousands of people from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Scandinavia and the Netherlands donated pictures uploaded through a specially-created Tourism Ireland Culture Wall application.

Now these adorn an eye-catching new mural in Market Street in the middle of Londonderry.

Explaining the artwork, Domnall Starkie said: “The graphic sunrise in vibrant colours symbolises a fresh, new dawn for the city, as we look towards the future full of hope and possibility.

“The oak tree branch symbolises the city and revitalised growth, along with the singing robin that embodies the great spirit of the people and their tenacity to achieve positive new things.

“The Peace Bridge stands as a beacon of stability and also represents continued community cohesion.”

Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “This unique creation has been a fantastic way to raise awareness of this special year around the world, enabling people near and far to take part in the City of Culture celebrations, as well as providing a wonderful legacy of the year.

“Domnall Starkie has managed to encapsulate the vibrancy and energy of the city, helping to encourage many more visitors from around the world to come here in 2014 and beyond.”