James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this very important issue regarding the need for the Minister for culture to outline what actions are being taken to address the acute urgent need for artists' workspaces across the State. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, who sends her apologies.She is aware of the pressures that artists and creatives face in finding suitable workspaces, especially in Dublin, and the difficulties with the provision of artistic venues there. Last June, she announced, along with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, details of a €9 million capital works programme called Space to Create. In this case, the Minister announced that €3 million in funding was being provided by her Department to this initiative. The Space to Create project 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 as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

Budget 2023 provided a separate allocation of €7 million for the provision of artists' workspaces. It is now proposed that a new capital scheme will soon be opened by the 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 nationwide on a sustainable basis.

In recent years, other arts and culture capital schemes have been rolled out by the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and her Department. 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 the development of vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities, particularly in Dublin city, towns and villages. This will also provide additional capital to assist artists through the provision of building and equipment needs.

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 €134 million annual funding for the Arts Council is in place for 2024. The Arts Council is also currently developing, with the Dublin Port Company, the possibility of creating artists' workspaces in buildings in the port area.