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An Post C Both Sides
by Christine Monk

The first postcard was created in 1861 and since that time boasts a unique history, closely linked to world events and technological developments. Irish postcards have their own story to tell including peat cards made from turf; 1916 rebellion cards used as a news and propaganda vehicle and the world famous John Hinde series of postcards from Ireland. Now, a new campaign invites the public to add their own chapter to the history of the postcard in Ireland.

The postcard art initiative is a 12 month programme asking the public to design a postcard. This will be followed by a country wide exhibition of selected entries during 2009, recording and communicating to the public a time in Ireland’s collective social history.

The campaign celebrates postcard design and the skill of handwriting. Anyone can take part in the project to make a personal statement, depicting a favourite memory, a special place, someone important or even a secret. There is no set theme, just the criteria to communicate for the price of a stamp and use a postcard as the medium.

The project was initiated and curated by artists Teresa Doyle and Edel O’Reilly Flynn in association with Westmeath County Council. The initiative was an instant success with entries from children and adults expressing opinions on their locale, war, loved ones, childhood memories and more.  The entries formed an evocative exhibition in Westmeath during 2007.

An Post Chief Executive, Donal Connell said “An Post’s sponsorship allows the project to become a national and international venture. Both An Post and the artists who will continue to curate the project are gearing up for a massive response.”

While anyone can enter at any time during 2008, An Post C Both Sides will focus on particular communities during each month.  The call for people to take part starts in January with Family Members; February, Sports People; March, Health, Wellbeing and Caring; April, Travellers; May, Older People; June, Business People/Unemployed People; July, Prisoners; August, Migrants; September, Politicians; October, Education and Learning; November, Farming Community; December, Artists/Individuals.

Postcards must be regular size (5.5 inches x 4 inches or 14cm x 10cm) sent through the postal system and stamped.  People can send as many postcards as they wish with either a name or address or leave the entry anonymous. A design template is available on the An Post C Both Sides website.


For more information contact:
Christine Monk; 087 6755329 christinemonk@eircom.net
Aileen Mooney, An Post 01-705 7447 aileen.mooney@anpost.ie

Photo Credits:
Ask About Ireland

Vintage Postcards

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