Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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433. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has examined any proposals to facilitate on a national basis the use of vacant retail premises by exhibiting artists, based on successful schemes such as space invaders in County Galway which uses empty retail units to support local artists. [37077/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am aware and supportive of the use of vacant premises by artists and arts organisation and I understand that a number of such buildings are currently being utilised by arts organisation across the country. 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.

In terms of investment by my Department, I have launched a new €9m investment scheme for arts and cultural centres to run over the next three years, focussed 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 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.

I will also be announcing shortly 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 will open for applications in the near future. I will consider how best this scheme could assist with the provision or enhancement of artist studio space.