A student from Cavan is one of five up-and-coming artists to have their work showcased on hundreds of Uber Taxis across Dublin.

In a celebration of the city, students from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) have created designs capturing what Dublin means to them, with the winning five entries inspired by the unique heritage and energy of the city’s streets.

Holly Hughes, who won first prize in the contest, grew up in Cavan and started studying in Dublin in 2019. She grew up obsessed with picture books and was constantly drawing as a child. Only later when she saw other artists posting on Instagram did she realise she could turn her passion into a profession. Her Taxi design combines recognisable Dublin landmarks, with the storybook and folk art style she was inspired by as a child.

Holly said: “Making pictures is all about storytelling, and there are so many stories in Dublin to tell. I’m fascinated by childhood and wanted to incorporate bright colours and simple shapes, while capturing the feeling and energy of the city. I included places and landmarks that I enjoy and might inspire others to visit, like the National Botanic Gardens, St. Patrick’s Tower, and Poolbeg Lighthouse. I want the car to feel like it’s part of the fabric of the city.”

“In my recent work I have been inspired by quilt patterns and folk art. And what I love about Dublin is the combination of so many different things: culture, nature, history, beauty. The city has lots of elements of nature too. It is close to water, the sea, the Liffey and the canals, there are many parks with trees and flowers and also birds such as swans and pigeons.”

By providing a canvas for aspiring artists, Uber and the NCAD also aim to provide a launchpad for young creatives – as well as inspiring passengers and locals across the city. The campaign will see hundreds of Uber Taxis covered with the winning designs and become moving art pieces.

The first cars are already on the road, and the winning designs draw a wide range of inspirations: from local landmarks and James Joyce, to Dublin’s old tram network and the city’s nightlife.

Anna Abola, another artist featured, grew up in Latvia where her James Joyce enthusiast father regaled her with stories of Dublin. Inspired by these tales, Anna came to study in Dublin on the Erasmus programme in 2021. In a tribute to her father, she has included portraits of Joyce and his wife Nora Barnacle into her design.

Anna said: “I heard so much about the stories and history of Dublin growing up, so coming here as a student was totally inspirational. Dublin is bright, buzzing, and reveals something new about itself when you look a bit closer. The river to me feels like the most natural element that joins all the places in Dublin together and so I used it as a motif to suggest that getting an Uber will make one flow through the busy city as organically as the river does.”

Kieran Harte, Senior Manager at Uber, said: “We’re proud to operate in Dublin and what better way to pay tribute to the city’s heritage than using Uber taxis as a canvas for young artists. There’s a unique story behind each design and I’ve been blown away by the vision and creativity of the artists involved. I hope riders and drivers alike enjoy using these special ‘art rides’ to explore the city.”

As the COVID restrictions loosened last year, more people turned to ride-hailing apps to move around Dublin. February 2022 was officially Uber’s busiest month in Dublin since the beginning of the pandemic.

The three most popular pick up spots are O’Connell Street Upper, near the Molly Malone Statue, and Dublin airport.

Since January, people from 79 different countries have taken a trip with Uber when visiting Dublin, with this number set to increase in light of reduced restrictions this year. Visitors will want to keep a keen eye out for the new range of vibrant artwork on Uber taxis in the city.

Harith Mohd Farid, who grew up in Dublin and has always been enchanted by the city’s unique nighttime energy. When taking regular evening walks he would notice patterns in the bricks of the buildings around him, which he has woven into his design. Harith said:

“The design is a tribute to the nightlife culture and vibrant street art of Dublin. I illustrated the Dublin cityscape with the Spire in sight, along with patterns from old common brickwork and masonry. The hues of deep blue, violet, show the evening setting, with a glow of yellow inspired by the night street lights.”

After he graduates from NCAD next year, Harith wants to travel the world and create more art inspired by the different cities he visits.