COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)
Monday, May 19, 2008
QUESTION NO 18.
QUESTION: Councillor M. Corr
"To ask the Manager what the estimated completion date is for the new County Arts Centre and to state what activities/facilities will be available to the public once opened?"
REPLY:
South Dublin County Council in the development of this arts infrastructure project has set aside the traditional style arts centre based on one building and one organisation undertaking the programming. The Council has developed a model that encourages a strategic approach to the development of the arts across the county taking into account:
- The geography and demographics of South Dublin County.
- The presence of existing arts organisations.
- The relationship between the local authority and the arts centre
It is proposed that an arts centre company be established to manage a flagship development in Tallaght and also, in the long-term, to manage a network of facilities across the county. The programming of activities in the arts centre facilities will be undertaken by a range of existing arts organisations including Tallaght Community Arts Centre, and new service providers.
This structure allows for flexibility in programming activities and scope to offer tenders for the use of space - taking into account offers made to Tallaght Community Arts Centre at the initial stage of this development. It allows for contracting out services such as artist studios management, application procedures and liaison with artists.
The new flagship building in Tallaght is designed to reflect current approaches to the making and delivery of arts. Alongside two high quality exhibition spaces (including a ‘white cube’) and a 60 seat performance space, the emphasis is on ‘process’ and ‘participation’. The definition of space reflects the primary aim of the arts centre, to support the artist and participant in the conception and making of art.
The arts centre development in Tallaght, which is taking place alongside a major extension of the County Library and which is adjacent to the Civic Theatre, offers opportunity for the creation of a synergetic cultural nucleus in Tallaght, which should have a countywide impact.
It is hoped that the Arts Centre will open in September of this year and members will be kept advised of developments.
THE VISION FOR THE ARTS CENTRE
The remit of the arts centre is to support contemporary art practise by providing spaces and opportunities for:
· Artists to make, perform or exhibit art.
- Arts organisations and individuals to deliver arts programmes and events.
- Individuals and communities to engage with the arts.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission for the arts centre is to develop the arts in South Dublin County countywide, through the support of professional and participatory arts activities and through the provision of infrastructure dedicated to the arts.
OBJECTIVES
- Support and develop the arts countywide.
- Encourage all art forms.
- Support professional productions and exhibitions of art by local, national and international artists.
- Provide opportunities for communities to participate in arts activities.
- Encourage professional arts organisations and artists to work and live in South Dublin County.
- Provide spaces for productions, exhibitions and process-based activities.
- Provide workspace for arts organisations and artists.
DESIRED OUTCOMES
- Countywide arts activity.
- Supporting best practice and excellence in the arts.
- Diversity of programming.
- High footfall.
FACILITIES
Ground Floor
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
Art Store
Café / Servery
Reception
Toilets
Performance Space
Changing Rooms with Showers
Art Workshop Room
Floor 1
3 Offices
Art workshop Room
5 Music Rooms
Dance Rehearsal Studio
Floor 2
3 Offices
3 Incubator Units
2 Large Multimedia Rooms
Boardroom
1 Large Workroom
Top Floor
3 Offices
6 Artist studio spaces