Based on the Irish word 'ardú' - meaning 'rise' - this year's theme revolves around nostalgia and celebration.
A new street art festival is coming to Cork this this month, celebrating the city's traditions, history, resolution and of course, art. Called
Ardú, the project features street murals by seven of the country's top street artists including Shane O'Driscoll, MASER, Deirdre Breen, Peter Martin, Garreth Joyce, James Earley and Aches.
Tasked with creating works inspired by the 1920 Burning of Cork, each of the participating artists will exhibit their work at key city-centre locations with the idea being to inject some colour, vibrancy and life into the city - lifting the community's creative energy at a time when spirits are low.
Speaking of the festival, artist Shane O'Driscoll commented:
"Myself, and fellow organisers Peter and Paul, believe that street art is the ideal medium for the times we live in. We’re delighted to present Ardú to the public, in a safe space where they can interpret the murals outdoors, and at a social distance from each other.
"Importantly, these pieces of art will serve to remind people that despite what is going on in the world, creativity and art can still bring communities together.
"At a time when we face shared and personal challenges, each of our artist’s murals are a rallying cry to the city - a call to remember that we have been through terrible times before and we rose up. We can do it again."
Running until the end of this month, murals will appear at Harley’s Street, Wandesford Quay, The Kino, Anglesea Street, Liberty Street, Kyle Street, and Henry Street.
