In Spring, two world metropolises—New York and Dublin—will join Lublin and Vilnius in the Polish-Lithuanian project "PORTAL" expanding the initiative to connect inhabitants of different parts of the world through "virtual doors".
Since 2021, Lublin and Vilnius have been connected through the Portal. This installation allows people to meet new individuals, facilitates dialogue and communication, and enables collaborative initiatives. It serves as a visual bridge connecting residents from distant locations and representatives of different cultures. We are excited to welcome more metropolises to the project. Shortly, through the Lublin Portal, we will have a glimpse of Manhattan in New York and Dublin - said Beata Stepaniuk-Kuśmierzak, Deputy Mayor of Lublin for Culture, Sports and Participation.
"PORTAL" is a concrete object that, via cameras and a large circular screen, transmits real-time images between Lublin and Vilnius over the internet. Through years of effort of the Benediktas Gylys Foundation, two new cities—New York and Dublin—will join the network of portals this Spring. Initially, two parallel connections will be established: New York - Dublin and Lublin - Vilnius, and starting from this July, all four centers will connect in a rotational system. Consequently, maintenance work commenced on April 11 to prepare the Lublin Portal for integration with the new cities.
The project was conceived by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys, whose foundation initiated the venture. On the Polish side, the initiative is operated by the Centre for Intercultural Creative Initiatives "Crossroads" and the City of Lublin. The project's main idea was to create a communication platform for pedestrians, as well as for institutions and organisations. In Vilnius, the Portal is located in front of the main railway station, while in Lublin, it is situated in the City Centre, showcasing images from Lublin's promenade and Plac Litewski (Lithuanian Square). In New York, the installation will appear in one of the most representative locations in Manhattan—Flatiron South Public Plaza on Broadway, Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street, adjacent to the famous Flatiron Building and will be presented by the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in collaboration with New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs and Transportation and the Simons Foundation. Meanwhile, in Dublin, the Portal will be installed opposite the main street of the capital, O’Connell Street, displaying views of the iconic General Post Office and the Spire of Dublin monument. The Dublin project is undertaken by the City Council as part of the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024 initiative.
For more information, please visit the following links:
https://flatironnomad.nyc/2024/03/26/the-portal-where-new-york-meets-dublin-ireland/
https://www.dublincity.ie/news/portal-art-installation-will-connect-dublin-new-york-real-time
