Survivors of Artane Band abuse using black-painted musical instruments to demand a name and uniform change
In the heart of Dublin city centre, a powerful statement is being made through an art installation titled "Nobody Could Hear the Music". This installation, spearheaded by independent city councillor Mannix Flynn, is part of renewed efforts by survivors of abuse to have the Artane Band change its name and uniform [1][5].
The Artane Boys Band, now known as the Artane Band, continues to play regularly at GAA matches in Croke Park. However, the campaign for change is gaining traction, with key actions including community events, symbolic acts like painting instruments black, and thought-provoking installations [2][3].
The reason for this movement lies in the historical links of the band with the former Artane Industrial School, where many abuse survivors were harmed. In 2023, Dublin City Council voted unanimously in favour of changing both the name and uniform due to these associations [3].
Notable figures involved in this campaign include Gerard Mannix Flynn, an artist and activist who leads this movement and organizes related events and exhibitions under the hashtag #nobodycouldhearthemusic [1][5]. His work ties in with broader efforts involving Dublin City Council and abuse survivors advocating for the band’s rebranding.
Aosdána, Ireland’s national academy for creative artists, supports the campaign for the band’s name and uniform change [5]. Cllr Flynn has written to the GAA, RTÉ, and sponsors of the band urging them to dissociate from it until the name and uniform are changed [3].
The installation includes a marching band drum, trumpets, trombones, French horn, and other instruments, all painted black. This serves as a poignant reminder of the pain connected to the band’s legacy [2]. The GAA and the Artane School of Music did not respond to requests for comment regarding the issue [3].
Cllr Flynn emphasized that they are not asking to close down the band, but to change its name and uniform to heal the wound. He has also called on the GAA to suspend the band from performing in any of its grounds, including Croke Park [3].
The installation of musical instruments painted black is a powerful visual representation of the ongoing campaign for change. It serves as a call to respect abuse survivors and address historical injustices [1][3][5]. As the movement continues to build public support, it is hoped that the Artane Band will soon take a significant step towards healing and renewal.
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