A mural supporting repeal of the Eighth Amendment is currently being taken down from the front wall of Dublin’s Project Arts Centre.
The mural, by street artist Maser, first appeared in July 2016, but was removed less than a month later as it “violated” planning rules.
However, two years later on April 9, the artwork was erected once again after the centre explained that the mural didn’t need planning permission because ads for elections and referenda are exempt from planning permission, as long as they’re removed seven days after polling.
But, the Project Arts Centre have since revealed that they have to paint over the mural again because they’re at risk of losing their charitable status.
She’s back @projectarts. @MaserArt & @HunRealIssues ❤???? #repealthe8th #together4yes pic.twitter.com/rklDxpVvgA
— Cian O’Brien (@ciangobrien) April 9, 2018
Their statement read, “The Charities Regulator has informed Project Arts Centre that the display of Maser’s ‘Repeal the 8th’ artwork is ‘political activity’ and that we are therefore in breach of the Charities Act 2009 and not in line with our ‘charitable purpose’.”
“Should the artwork not be removed, we risk losing our charitable status. Project Arts Centre respects the authority of the Charities Regulator and will comply with their order to remove Maser’s artwork.”
The removal of the mural began at 11am on Monday morning, and people have been taking to Twitter to post pictures.
There it goes again ???? #repealthe8th #Maser pic.twitter.com/s99yb5wUub
— Síofra Nic Liam (@SiofraNicLiam) April 23, 2018
I’m delighted they are painting over the Maser Art installation in Templebar. It’s Great media coverage for the idea that you cannot just paint over our problems! #repealthe8th #togetherforyes pic.twitter.com/S6rvze0723
— Caolan Mc Aree (@Caolanmcaree) April 23, 2018
The @MaserArt mural at @projectarts has been painted over.
You can take down a mural but you can’t take down a movement.#repealthe8th #art pic.twitter.com/u8p5lG5yK7
— ROSA #Repealthe8th (@RosaWomen) April 23, 2018
The referendum on the repeal of the Eighth Amendment will take place on May 25, 2018.
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