Drogheda Port Company has launched its 2026 Annual Art Commission, inviting local artists to create a new maritime artwork inspired by the maritime heritage of Drogheda and the River Boyne.
The annual initiative, which has been running for more than two decades, is open to visual artists working across painting, sculpture and mixed media. This year's maritime theme asks artists to interpret both the port's historical significance and its evolving role in the community.
"Our annual art commission is more than just an artistic endeavour, and we are excited to see how artists will capture the essence of our maritime legacy in innovative and inspiring ways," said Paul Fleming, CEO of Drogheda Port Company.
Work to Join Port's Permanent Collection
The successful artist will be commissioned to create a work for Drogheda Port Company's permanent art collection, joining a series of previous commissions reflecting the port, the Boyne and the area's maritime history.
The 2025 commission, Phil Daly's The Morning Commute, offered a contemporary perspective on everyday activity on the River Boyne.
In 2024, Emily McCormack produced a work commemorating the 1871 wreck of the brig Manley at Mornington Beach, while Gill McCulloch's 2023 painting depicted the navigation beacons of the Boyne estuary.
The collection also includes sculptor Sallyanne Morgan's The Docker, focusing on the people associated with the working port.
September Deadline for Artists
Artists wishing to apply should submit a brief biography, three photographs of existing work and a short proposal explaining their intended approach to the maritime theme.
Send submissions and enquiries to Nessa Lally at [email protected]. The application closing date is 11 September 2026.
You can view examples of previous commissions on the Drogheda Port Company website.
