Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017
408. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on artist-run studio spaces; if she will consider extending specific supports to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24598/17]
View answer410. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland is considerably behind its European counterparts with regard to state support for artist-run spaces. [24600/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 410 together.
I am aware of the issue regarding the provision of affordable studio space, particularly as a result of the changing property market. In general, I would consider that local approaches driven by artists, local arts officers and the owners of vacant buildings are best suited to respond to the specific local circumstances involved and provide the most effective outcomes.
However, my Department is in discussion with the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and the OPW to consider some possible short-term and longer-term approaches to the issue, both in relation to specific issues in Dublin and to wider national approaches. In addition, as part of the Government’s initiative on the North East Inner City, I awarded a grant of €35,000 this year to Fire Station Artists' Studios, Buckingham Street, to assist in providing additional studio space in conjunction with Dublin City Council.
In terms of investment by my Department, I recently announced details of more than €9 million in capital funding for 56 arts and culture centres across the country. This capital scheme is the most significant investment in arts and cultural centres in a decade and will target investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces.
A full list of organisations to benefit from funding under Stream 1 and 2 of the Arts and Cultural Capital Scheme 2016-2018 is available on my Department's website.
Furthermore, I recently announced a new small capital grants Scheme (Stream 3) which will be geared towards providing grants of up to €20,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and cultural remit. Organisations with artists' studios will also be eligible to apply under this new scheme. This scheme is now open for applications with a closing date of 12 noon on 16 June 2017.
