The city of Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland, is set to become home to the largest bronze sculpture on the island of Ireland by the end of 2026. The landmark public art installation, created by internationally acclaimed artist Colin Davidson, represents a major investment in the city's cultural renaissance and urban regeneration efforts.
The ambitious art project, titled ECLIPSE, carries an estimated cost of £1.287 million (approximately $1.6 million), with funding coming from two primary sources. The Department for Communities is contributing £1.05 million, while the Ards and North Down Borough Council is providing an additional £200,000 to support the initiative.
The centerpiece of the installation is "The Dove," a striking six-meter-tall bronze sculpture featuring hands that cast a dove-shaped shadow. This powerful symbol is designed to represent peace, resilience, and Bangor's ongoing journey of regeneration and renewal. The sculpture will be prominently positioned in the heart of the new Marine Gardens at the city's waterfront, creating a focal point for residents and visitors alike.
The ECLIPSE series extends beyond the main sculpture to include two companion pieces that celebrate different aspects of Bangor's heritage and community spirit. "The Swan" will be installed at Pickie Fun Park, while "The Crab" will find its home at the Eisenhower Pier. Together, these three sculptures form a cohesive artistic narrative that honors the city's maritime history and cultural identity.
Artist Colin Davidson expressed his deep connection to the project and the city that has shaped his artistic vision. "Bangor is attracting investment and moving forward. These sculptures are about connection – between people, place and history," Davidson explained. "I'm honored to contribute something lasting to the city that has helped shaped me and to be part of the regeneration efforts that will position it as an exciting and welcoming place for generations to come."
The installation timeline targets completion by late autumn 2026, with extensive community engagement and storytelling opportunities planned throughout the development process. The project organizers are committed to involving local residents in the artistic journey from conception to unveiling.
A significant community initiative called "Hands of Bangor: Stories Behind the Sculpture" will launch in early 2026, inviting residents to become integral participants in the project's narrative. This program will explore Davidson's artistic vision, document the sculpture-making process, and incorporate the voices and stories of local people into the installations through innovative interactive QR codes and specialized lighting features.
Mayor Gillian McCollum of Ards and North Down emphasized the project's broader significance beyond its artistic merit. "This is more than art – it's about legacy," McCollum stated. "We want residents to understand and feel part of this story so are encouraging everyone to watch the striking new video animation and to find out more about the project." The mayor also extended an invitation to schools and community organizations to participate in the upcoming "Stories Behind the Sculpture" project by sharing their own narratives.
The business community has embraced the artistic initiative as a catalyst for economic development and tourism growth. Aran Blackbourne from Bangor Marine expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential impact on the city's profile. "We are delighted that as part of the regeneration work undertaken by Bangor Marine; we will have an iconic series of art installations from a globally recognized artist who just happens to live in Bangor," Blackbourne said.
Blackbourne further emphasized the anticipated positive reception of the sculptures among both residents and visitors. "I am confident that when people see the sculptures they are going to be hugely impressed, and that goes for those who live here and the visitors we all want to attract to Bangor," he noted. The project has already generated significant positive response from the local community, reflecting growing excitement about the city's ongoing transformation and regeneration efforts.
