The Arts Council, the Irish government agency for developing the arts, is pleased to announce its Visual Artists Workspace Scheme decisions for 2023. The scheme supports artists' workspaces throughout the country to provide the best possible working environment for visual artists and, where feasible, to enable a level of subsidy for the artists working within these spaces.

Funding totaling €695,774 will be distributed to 30 studios/workspaces across 13 counties across the country. This funding will support facilities for 950 individual practicing visual artists across Ireland. This is an increase on 839 individuals and €460,000 funding in 2022, which represents a 50% year on year.

Of the 30 studios and workspaces, three new organisations established in 2022 have received a contribution for 2023: ^ (caret), Leitrim, "an Chead Tine" Art Organisation, Kilkenny, The Gentian Press, Co. Clare. There are also five new applicants to this scheme who will receive funding for 2023 (including the three referenced above): ^ (caret), Leitrim, "an Chead Tine" Art Organisation, Kilkenny, Burgh Quay Studios, Dublin, Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Co. Louth, The Gentian Press, Co. Clare.

Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said: “Artists need good spaces to work in and the studios/workspaces supported through this scheme represent a key component of the critical infrastructure for the visual arts nationally. I’m delighted that we can increase our support by over 50% this year compared to the 2022 funding amount. The scheme, combined with a number of studio and workspace facilities supported through Strategic Funding and Arts Grants, is one of many important funding supports that the Arts Council provides for visual artists working in Ireland today. Supporting existing workspaces like this is part of our bigger vision which includes the development of a campus for artists at Odlums Flour Mills, a groundbreaking project we’re currently working on with Dublin Port and Grafton Architects.”

In line with Making Great Art Work, the Arts Council’s strategy in leading the development of the arts in Ireland, this scheme offers grants of up to a maximum of €50,000 towards the running costs of visual artists’ workspaces.

Previously the scheme had a cap of €40,000 for applicants. This increased limit acknowledges the rising core costs associated with building-based facilities, such as energy, light and heat. This scheme will provide artist groups and organisations with vital support towards the cost of running their artists workspaces, at a time when artists across Ireland struggle to find and maintain suitable workspaces due to rising costs, short term and insecure tenancy agreements.

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