Government announces €987,498 to go towards artist workspaces

The government has announced €987,498 to go towards providing 22 workspaces to artists around the country.

Funding has been provided by the Artists Workspaces Scheme, a €6m capital investment scheme for Local Authorities to enable them to provide the additional capacity and availability of workspaces for artists, as outlined in Project Ireland 2040. As of today, the total awarded amount is €1,208,854.

"I am acutely aware of the shortage of affordable creative spaces around the country," said Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan TD. "The lack of space has been a significant barrier for artists, limiting their ability to create and exhibit work. Todays announcement will assist in addressing the critical shortage of performance and work spaces for artists across the country”.

Of this funding, up to €300,000 is available for densely populated Local Authority areas. There is no closing date for the scheme and it will remain open until the fund has been exhausted.

The announcement follows news that The Complex, a gallery and culture centre in Smithfield, would be forced into eviction by January.