Statue for Maud Gonne Campaign: Phase 1 Update #2 July 2024

This campaign aims to connect a body of people who intend to see Maud Gonne honoured with a statue in Dublin. Here is the timeline of events to date:

  • July 8: first press release
  • July 22: Phase 1 of the campaign was launched with a Kickstarter campaign
  • July 23: The Kickstarter campaign reached its minimum funding goal within the first 24 hours
  • July 29: The Kickstarter campaign grosses £5000 in funding
  • July 30: The campaign was reported on by The Irish Independent

You too can back the campaign at Ornaross.com/MoreThanAMuse

Or you can read Phase 1 Update #1 at Ornaross.com/from-orna/statue-for-maud-gonne-campaign-update-1/

Maud Gonne's Statue: We Need Help

This campaign is a significant project, which needs the support of various people and entities, from Maud Gonne's descendants and relatives, to local government in Dublin, including all the writers and artists, historians and readers who want to see a monumental statue of Maud Gonne striding down the street, to inspire future generations of girls and women, boys and men.

The first aim of the campaign is to generate interest and awareness, and demonstrate public support for the statue, and make enough money to set up a website and social media accounts for awareness.

Each step of the process, including permissions, designs, meetings, and financial transactions will be documented, both for accountability and as a guide for future projects for other groups

Here are some of the jobs we're currently thinking about. There is more, lots more, to be done. Does any of this sound like your idea of fun? Please volunteer any assistance you can offer, no matter how small.

Phase 1: Planning and Kickstarter Campaign

  • Volunteer “Uncommittee”
    • Invite √
    • First Meeting  √
    • Allocate responsibilities √
  • Artist Concept Commission 
    • Statue concept for inspiration and fundraising √
    • Create artwork & limited prints as rewards √
    • Fulfil rewards for backers
  • Budget:
    • Estimating costs:
      • artist commission
      • materials
      • site preparation
      • ongoing maintenance
      • What else?
  • Funding Sources:
    • Source other organizations and individuals to contribute
      • Kickstarter Crowdfunder – launch
      • Grants from cultural or historical societies
      • Sponsorship from local businesses
      • Support from cultural funding bodies
      • What else?
  • Obtain Permissions and Begin Application Process
    • Family Permission √
    • Dublin City Council: Research application / approvals process √

Phase 2: Set Up

  • Sculpture Commission
    • Create a review process to draw up a panel of artists for consideration to make the statue
    • Artist selection process
      • What else?
  • Site Selection:
    • Secure agreed location for the statue — pedestrian aisle in O'Connell St, across from the GPO?
  • City Council Application Process 
    • Advance discussions
    • Approach interested parties

Phase 3: Installation

  • Logistics: Organize the practical aspects of installing the statue
    • transportation
    • construction
    • site preparation
    • installation
  • Unveiling Ceremony: Event to unveil the statue
    • descendants
    • community
    • historians
    • media
      • What else?

Afterwards

  • Informational Plaque: Include a plaque or informational display to educate the public about Maud Gonne's life and contributions.
  • Educational Programs: Partner with schools and cultural organizations to create educational programs around the statue and what it represents.
  • Ongoing Maintenance Plan: Plan and budget in place for the ongoing cleaning, repair, and preservation of the statue.
    • What else?

Each of these steps involves detailed planning and coordination. Please let me know if you can help by writing to orna [at] ornaross.com