This Mural Is Highlighting Ireland’s Hidden Homelessness Problem
This Mural Is Highlighting Ireland’s Hidden Homelessness Problem
The launch of the mural is ahead of tonight’s annual sleep-out.
There are currently 14,486 people, including 2,099 families, living in emergency accommodation in Ireland. 4,419 of these people are children. In Ireland’s emergency homeless accommodation, living spaces can often be confined to just one room for a family or group, and this is not a suitable long term anyone, particularly children.
Street artist Sarah Bracken Soper has aimed to spotlight the unseen issue of family homelessness with her new artwork, which was unveiled today in Temple Bar. To support Focus Ireland, the mural has been unveiled as Ireland gears up for the Shine A Light sleep-out event tonight, October 11, aimed at raising funds to combat family homelessness, with backing from Bord Gais Energy.
Sarah’s work often addresses pressing social issues, and this is no different. Her latest piece depicts two women in an embrace—one visible, the other a shadow. The visible figure symbolises the empathy of the Irish public, while the shadow represents the mothers of families experiencing hidden homelessness, who often go overlooked. Speaking on the issue, Sarah has said: “I believe that the creation of art is an essential process in our understanding of the world and a crucial tool for change and recovery. I hope anyone experiencing homelessness today in our society is able to draw some comfort from knowing there are many of us who care and are willing to take action.”
The mural was unveiled ahead of tonight’s annual sleep-out in aid of the homelessness charity, Shine A Light. Over 1000 people are sleeping out to raise money, and the campaign aims to raise €1.4m to work towards ending family homelessness.
To donate, please visit: shinealight.focusireland.ie
