Repeal the 8th mural found to contravene Charities Act 2009

A “political” mural has been removed from the wall of the Project Arts Centre in Dublin at the behest of the Charities Regulator.

The regulator told the arts centre that the display of the artwork, which reads “Repeal the 8th”, constituted “political activity” in contravention of the Charities Act 2009.

The centre maintains there is a distinction “between supporting artists who make work that is highly political and engaging in political activism”.

However, the centre’s artistic director, Cian O’Brien, painted over the mural at 11am this morning in line with its legal obligations.

Fiona Slevin, chair of the Project Arts Centre, said: “The Board and executive of Project are conscious of their obligations under the Charities Act 2009 and the charitable purpose of the organisation.

“We strive to sustain Project’s stated purpose and objectives, namely to remain Ireland’s leading centre for the presentation and development of contemporary art, and to work with artists across all art forms to make and present extraordinary works that inspire and provoke.

“The artwork by Maser fits precisely with this remit. In presenting Maser’s work, we are facilitating the presentation of art by a highly regarded, award-winning street artist who has displayed artworks across Ireland, Europe and the United States.”