Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024
26. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if any of her Department's funds will be allocated to opening new spaces for artists and creatives in Dublin; and if so, if she will outline these planned developments. [6876/24]
View answerI am aware of the pressures that artists and creatives face in finding suitable workspaces, especially in Dublin and the difficulties in the provision of artistic venues there. Last June, I announced, along with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, details of a €9 million capital works programme called Space to Create. I was pleased to direct €3 million in funding to this initiative that will see 60 artists provided with turnkey workspaces as well as opportunities to use performance and gallery space and flexible office spaces.
This funding speaks to the Government’s commitment under the Programme for Government to increase the provision of affordable workspaces for artists and creative practitioners and ensure the timely delivery of arts and culture investment commitments, such as our national cultural institutions, as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
Budget 2023 provided an allocation of €7m for the provision of artists’ workspaces. It is now proposed that a new capital scheme will shortly be opened by my Department to progress this proposal. Under this scheme, local authorities will be invited to apply for funding towards projects that provide artists’ workspaces in their towns or cities on a sustainable basis.
In recent years other arts and culture capital schemes have been rolled out. While the primary focus of these schemes is towards the refurbishment and enhancement of existing arts and culture facilities, funding is also being provided towards the provision of additional working spaces for artists in these buildings.
A new pilot capital support scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy will support development of vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities particularly in Dublin city, towns and villages as well as additional capital to assist in the provision of building and equipment needs and adapting facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprints.
There has been sustained investment in arts and culture in recent years; I was very pleased to secure this level funding for this important sector in 2024. The Arts Council currently provides programming and revenue supports to a range of initiatives such as arts centres and residencies, required to sustain artists nationwide. Record funding of €134m annual funding for the Arts Council will be in place for 2024.
