Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026. Ireland’s Presidency represents a key opportunity for Ireland to showcase the best of Irish culture and artistic creativity in Europe. Culture Ireland is leading in the presentation of a Culture Programme across Europe, with a special focus on Brussels which will include a six-month presentation in the atrium of the Justus Lipsius Building.

Where

Justus Lipsius, EU Council Building – Brussels

Justus Lipsius is the main EU Council building in Brussels. It houses 1,500 staff and with nineteen official meetings every day with representation from every Member State, there are a total of 2,000 EU policy makers accessing the building on a daily basis.

Ireland seeks to make an interesting artistic intervention in the atrium space.

Details of the space, dimensions and image are available below:

Justus Lipsius Building Technical Information

Justius Lipsius Past Installations for EU Presidencies

Who May Submit

Culture Ireland would like to commission an installation of new work for this space and is open to all submissions of ideas. Entries can be from professional artists, groups, curators, arts organisations or other bodies who have the knowledge, skill and track record to develop such a project. The expression of interest should be no longer than two pages and should contain

• An outline of the concept of the proposed presentation
• A description of the media you propose to deliver the project
• An outline of your approach to the practical realisation of the presentation
• A list of the proposed participants if relevant
• An outline of how your proposal will showcase Irish creativity in a European context
• Budget to include all costs e.g. production, transport, curator/artist fees etc.

What

Culture Ireland is open to all ideas which may reflect contemporary Ireland and its creative talent. We are interested in stimulating and visually engaging projects which will capture the attention of those passing as well as those seeking to engage for a prolonged period. Ideas may be thematically based or focus on a sense of portraying Ireland in Europe. Proposals should be for new work and should involve use of the floor area and the space between the pillars and above the entrance doors to their best advantage.

The Council has certain restrictions on the use of the space (as detailed in the attached document). In particular your attention is drawn to the following:

• Interior and Exterior facades cannot be used
• Nothing can be hung from roof or trusses or affixed to walls or floors
• Windows must remain clear
• Installations may be placed at level of monitors and/or above revolving entrance floors
• The project must not include sound-based installations or equipment
• The space must be cleared at least one week either side of each European Council meeting and any other meeting that involves installation of workspaces for journalists. Therefore, the installation needs to be easily transported and stored for the duration of the Council meeting.

Selection

Culture Ireland may select one or more ideas. These will be chosen on the strength of concept, ability to deliver and the extent to which the proposal meets requirements and fits within the Culture Programme. The following will be taken into account when considering submissions:

• How well the proposal reflects contemporary Irish artistic and creative practice within a European context
• Experience in installation/exhibition making
• Experience in project management and budget management and reporting
• Organisational capacity and availability to meet time and travel commitments.

From the information provided at the submission stage, the selection panel may shortlist a number of potential projects. Those short-listed curators may be asked to submit a more detailed proposal and visual presentation based on the theme established at submission stage, including:

• how they would deliver the presentation and use the space/s involved
• how presentation would engage with audience in the European context
• address any practical considerations of concern
• provide a budget breakdown based on funding available.

When

All submissions must be received by 2 September 2025 and should be sent in pdf format by email to [email protected]