‘Virtual’ Bridge Links Dublin and NYC
In an event spanning two continents, officials in Dublin and New York City simultaneously debuted two groundbreaking public technology sculptures, Dublin Portal and NYC Portal. Collectively called "The Portal", it forms an unprecedented visual bridge between the two cities. Each sculpture features a 24/7 visual livestream from the Portal in the other city, allowing real-time interaction between Dubliners, New Yorkers and visitors to these two global destinations.
Dublin Portal faces the capital's main street, O'Connell Street, and captures the vista of the GPO building and the Spire together. Dublin City Council has delivered the sculpture as part of its designation as the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024. The Portal was unveiled by The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí De Róiste, and included a performance by The Liberties Majorettes in a nod to the New York connection.
NYC Portal is located on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street, next to the famed Flatiron Building, and is presented by the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in collaboration with the NYC DOT Art Programme.
The Portal connection between Dublin and New York City will run through to Autumn of 2024. Throughout that time, there will be scheduled programming, including cultural performances at each city’s Portal that will be enjoyed by people in the other city via the livestream. Programming will kick-off in mid-May with a visual programme to celebrate New York Design Week Festival. From July, the Dublin Portal will also connect to other global city destinations in Poland, Brazil and Lithuania.
Benediktas Gylys, Lithuanian artist, founder of The Portal and entrepreneur said:
"Portals are an invitation to meet people above borders and differences and to experience our world as it really is—united and one. The livestream provides a window between distant locations, allowing people to meet outside of their social circles and cultures, transcend geographical boundaries and embrace the beauty of global interconnectedness."
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