Artist Workspaces Initiative

On today’s episode we’re focused on the provision of Artists Workspaces in Ireland.

Specifically, this episode was made in response to the recent Government initiative, providing €6 million euro in funding towards artist spaces nationwide.

The Pilot Scheme, in collaboration with Local Authorities intends to increase the stock of artist workspaces in cities and towns across the country.

Launching the initiative last month, Minister For The Arts Catherine Martin said “I have been acutely aware of the pressures that artists and creatives, including those in the electronic music sector, have faced in finding suitable workspaces”

This initiative follows on from the 2023 Dublin based Space To Create scheme, which will see the development of 60 artist workspaces in the capital and to find out more about what this will entail, Danny Carroll spoke to three people with a keen interest in how the initiative may benefit artists and communities and whether it goes far enough.

First off, we’re going to hear from Coilin O’Reilly. As well as being the Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, he’s the chair of the Rural Development, Community, Culture and Heritage Committee, also known as the RCCH.

Coilin was kind of enough to give some background on how the initiative came about and some of the practicalities of what it will entail.

Also giving us his perspective today is Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Sinn Fein TD and spokesperson on the Arts.  Aengus is of the opinion that the initiative and 6 million euro put forward is “a modest amount”, and makes the case for more investment in the arts and its value to Irish society.

Finally, we hear from Dublin City Council’s Arts Officer, Ray Yeates. Ray represents one of the local authorities trying to source and redevelop spaces for use by artists.

For any musicians listening, wondering when they’ll be able to move into a workspace, it’s going to take a minute or two, but we hope you find this episode interesting in the meantime.