In an effort to foster a sense of global interconnectedness, the live video portal connecting Dublin, Ireland, to New York, New York, has reopened after facing temporary closure due to disruptive incidents. The Portal, a pair of installations created by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys, allows people in both cities to interact and communicate through a 24/7 live stream.

The first installation of the Portal is located in New York's Flatiron district, while the second is situated on Dublin's bustling O'Connell Street. Since its unveiling in May, the Portal has attracted tens of thousands of visitors and garnered nearly two billion online impressions, according to a joint statement by the Dublin City Council, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and Portals.org.

However, amid the overwhelming positive response, a minority of visitors took advantage of the opportunity to introduce chaos and behave rudely. Incidents of public indecency, drug use, and offensive behavior led to the temporary shutdown of the Portal on 14th May. Shockingly, some individuals went as far as flashing their breasts to onlookers in Ireland, revealing their rear end, and throwing eggs at the Portal. In addition, one person displayed a photo of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City, while another shared a photo of a potato referencing the Great Famine suffered by Ireland between 1845 and 1852.

Recognizing the need for increased security and measures to maintain decorum, organizers and the Dublin City Council implemented a "proximity-based solution." This involves additional fencing and spacing decals to prevent the art sculpture from being stepped on. Moreover, any attempts to obstruct the camera will result in a blurred live stream for people on both sides of the Atlantic.

To further ensure visitor safety and uphold the intended family-friendly environment, the Portal's operating hours in Dublin have been limited to 11am to 9pm, while in New York, on-site security will be present throughout all hours of operation, which are from 6am to 4pm.

Speaking about the incidents and the measures taken, Benediktas Gylys expressed the intention behind the Portal as a symbol of global interconnectedness. The overwhelming response from visitors who smilingly waved to their counterparts across the Atlantic reflects the joy and connectedness that these public art installations seek to inspire.

The reopening of the Dublin-New York Art Portal signifies a renewed commitment to its purpose. It stands as a testament to the power of art to connect people across borders and cultures, bridging the gap between distant cities and fostering a sense of unity. With enhanced security measures in place, organizers and the Dublin City Council aim to ensure that visitors can fully experience the transformative potential of the Portal, leaving behind the instances of unruly behavior that temporarily marred its presence.

This successful collaboration between Dublin, Ireland, and New York, New York, is reminiscent of a similar portal that was opened in 2021, linking Lithuania and Poland. These portals serve as powerful reminders of our shared humanity and the importance of fostering connections in an increasingly interconnected world.