Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

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 also 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 respect of specific issues in Dublin and in the context of 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 have launched a new €9 million investment scheme for arts and cultural centres to run over the next three years. This will be focused on securing and enhancing our arts and culture infrastructure. The scheme will target investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces. The closing date for receipt of applications was in September and applications received are now undergoing evaluation. Awards will be announced in the near future.

In addition, I will soon be announcing a subset of the scheme, with grants of up to €20,000 for community or voluntary organisations. The details of this funding stream are being finalised and the process relating to applications will open in the near future. I will consider how best this scheme could assist with the provision or enhancement of artist studio space.

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