COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 12, 2009

QUESTION NO .7

QUESTION: Councillor J. Lahart

To ask that the Manager present a report on the cost of the Cultural Centre and how this compares with the initial projected cost?

REPLY:

RUA RED the new County Arts Centre will officially open in February 2009 at a cost of approximately €9.5M and within the budget allocated to the project. Some minor works have yet to be completed and await the final cost plan for the project.

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

An arts centre company has been established to manage this flagship development. 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. 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 has taken 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.

The objectives are:

• 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.

The facilities of the RUA RED are as follows:

                                                                                                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