Dublin
Ireland
Phoenix Park, People's Flower Garden HIV/AIDS Monument of Ireland since 3 December 2023
without names
New National Monument for Phoenix Park has been revealed
The monument will be placed within the People's Park in 2023.

Following a two-stage open competition, a winner for the HIV and AIDS National Monument has been chosen. Anaisa Franco and Michael R. DiCarlo have been awarded the commission for their design, which will be erected in People's Park in Phoenix Park in 2023. According to gov.ie, "A HIV and AIDS Monument Oversight Committee, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, was established in 2021 to oversee the design and commissioning of the monument." 26 eligible submissions were received, and eight made it through to the second stage of the competition. The winning design was praised for its,"universal appeal" its ambition and strong aesthetic and how well it fit with the brief.

The proposed sculpture, which is entitled Embrace Loop, is an abstract version of the HIV symbol, which is a red ribbon. According to gov.ie, the purpose of the monument will be, "to remember those who have died and mark their lives and contribution to society, while also showing solidarity with those living with and affected by HIV today. The monument will also serve as a tribute to those friends, families, support groups, doctors, nurses and carers who dedicated so much of their life and work to the treatment of HIV and improving care."

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said this of the monument: "It has been forty years since the first reports of HIV and AIDS in Ireland and this dedicated National Monument will raise collective awareness, while also creating a fitting and inclusive space for people to gather to remember and reflect."

The competition was organised on behalf of the Office of Public Works.

Katy Thornton. Image © Office of Public Works Lovin Dublin

16 December 2022
Katy Thornton, Dublin