Facial Recognition in Portlaoise
Zabou
The Dunamaise Arts Centre, in partnership with The Walls Project and Creative Laois, is asking you, the good people of County Laois, to apply to have your portrait immortalised by an internationally acclaimed artist in a large-scale mural in Portlaoise. If you believe that you are a representative of modern-day life in Laois by reflecting the county’s resilience, creativity, diversity and community spirit you are asked to apply to become the face of a major new public artwork.
A large-scale portrait of the selected applicant will be painted on the exterior wall of the Dunamaise Arts Centre by celebrated street artist Zabou, whose murals can be found in over twenty-five countries worldwide. Her Irish works include the Cillian Murphy mural in Wexford, a portrait of Frederick Douglass in Cork, and a mural celebrating breastfeeding in Waterford.
Known for her striking black-and-white portraits set against bold colour fields, Zabou’s work captures the dignity and humanity of her subjects and the spirit of place. This is a wonderful opportunity for your image to be literally facing onto Main Street, visible through the historic stone archway, speaking directly to the people of Portlaoise and those passing through the town centre. The Walls Project, a national public art initiative, has supported more than 400 artists and delivered over 460 murals across Ireland in the past five years.
The organisation transforms public spaces through ambitious mural commissions and this dynamic collaboration between the successful applicant, Zabou, the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Creative Laois and The Walls Project will both enliven the town and celebrate a deserving member of our community. All you need to do to apply is submit a clear photograph of your face and a short paragraph explaining who you are and why you believe you represent life in Laois today. Visit the website to apply. Applications are open to anyone who lives or works in Laois. If the applicant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must submit the application and provide written consent.
Online applications close on 31 March 2026.
For more, visit www.dunamaise.ie
