Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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245. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the lack of spaces for younger and non-professional artists to participate in musical, artistic or other creative activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43394/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the issue regarding the provision of affordable studio space, particularly as a result of the changing property market.  My Department has had discussions with the Arts Council, the Office of Public Works and some local authorities to consider possible short-term and longer-term approaches to the issue, both in relation to specific issues in Dublin and to wider national approaches. 

This year I announced details of over €10 million in capital funding to a total of 122 arts organisations around the country under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018. This allocation included over €900,000 in funding for projects involving artist's studios and creative spaces.

In addition, as part of the Government’s initiative on the North East Inner City, I awarded a grant of €35,000 last year to Fire Station Artists' Studios, Buckingham Street, to assist in providing additional studio space in conjunction with Dublin City Council.

The list of successful projects under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 is available on my Department’s website at the following link:.