Pallas Projects announce launch of new Artists’ studios in The Digital Hub

Pallas Projects/Studios, one of Ireland’s longest-running artist-run spaces have announced the launch of its new studios at The Digital Hub, on Thomas Street in Dublin 8, with Minister for the Arts Catherine Martin and Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly. This significant new development will provide 25 large single & double studios, which have been secured at a crucial time for Pallas Projects/Studios and the creative community in Dublin city.

Established in 1996 and based in The Coombe since 2012, Pallas Projects have been at the creative heart of Dublin 8 for over a decade, running artists’ studios and a year-round gallery programme, as well as delivering education programmes to local schools, such as the recent biodiversity project ‘Ark Life’ a commissioned work by artist Celina Muldoon, with local schoolchildren and community groups.

Champions of developing opportunities for emerging artists, Pallas have also curated major shows in Irish and international galleries and museums from The Hugh Lane, to the recent Biennial of Painting, Zagreb.

Statement from Pallas Projects/Studios:

This new development will provide 25 large single & double new studios which have been made possible by the additional Arts Council investment of €70,000 in the project.

“Pallas strongly believes in a vibrant, creative, liveable city, and that artist studios add greatly to the life of the community in which they are situated. Historically artists’ studios and artist-run spaces have been at the forefront of the revitalisation of neglected city centre areas, but have by and large lost out when these areas are developed, and the city loses its cultural richness when artists cannot afford to work there. In light of recent high profile examples of arts venues and studios having to close down in Dublin as a result of redevelopment and soaring rents, Pallas have been active advocating and lobbying to safeguard existing and develop new long-term spaces. As such, Pallas view this as an important ‘first step’ in ensuring a commitment to artists’ studios in the city, and are delighted to have secured this much needed provision with the support of The Arts Council.”

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and the Media, Catherine Martin, said:

“I warmly welcome today’s announcement of these new artists’ studios at the Digital Hub in Dublin 8. I am aware that Pallas have a close relationship with the community of Dublin 8 and it is fantastic that in this new location they will be able to develop these relationships further. Today’s announcement was made possible through collaboration between Pallas and the Arts Council who provided a significant increase in funding. The protection and enhancement of artist’s workspaces is vital and one of the Arts Council’s key priorities is the strategic development of artists’ workspaces within Dublin city and across the country in-line with its Spatial Strategy and its 10 year strategy ‘Making Great Art Work’.”

Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council said:

“Pallas Projects/Studios has always been at the forefront of studio provision and programme development supports for artists in Dublin and beyond. The Arts Council continues to recognise the key role this artist-led initiative has played since its establishment in the 1990s. The development of a national infrastructure for artists workspace is a key priority for the Arts Council, and our recent agreement with Dublin Port to develop a large-scale facility for artists at Odlum’s Flour Mills represents an exciting stepping stone in that regard. We acknowledge the ongoing great work that Pallas do in advocating and articulating this need to us tirelessly over an extended period of time.” 

Commenting on the announcement by Pallas Projects, Fiach Mac Conghail, CEO of The Digital Hub said:

“We are delighted to welcome Pallas Projects to The Digital Hub, where they will bring an artistic and creative dimension to a growing cluster of diverse and innovative organisations based on our campus. Engagement with local communities is also key to The Digital Hub, and Pallas Projects have been at the heart of the thriving Dublin 8 community providing vital artist studio spaces, exhibitions, and educational initiatives for all members of our area.”