The Red Stables houses artists’ day studios, an Irish Artists’ Residential Studio and an International Residential Studio. The provision of these studios is part of Dublin City Council Arts Service Plan 2006-2009, in response to the critical lack of working spaces for artists working in Dublin today. The unique working spaces for professional artists are managed by Dublin City Council Arts Office.
Key Goals for Red Stables Artists’ Studios:
1. To provide working space for contemporary artists.
2. To support artists in their investigation of ideas.
3. To create artists’ networks to enable greater realisation of aims.
4. To provide opportunities for artists to discuss and develop their ideas within a network of support.
5. To support artists in their collaboration with the local community.
6. To promote public enjoyment and appreciation of the arts.
7. To promote equality of access to the arts.
8. To achieve sustainability.
Key things to know about the studios
1. Location
The quiet location of The Red Stables offers a space near to the city in over 200 acres of green parkland but without the any of the distractions associated with an urban studio.
2. Range of options
The Red Stables offers a number of spaces for artists: residential studios, day studios and shared spaces. The spaces are safe and secure and have 24-hour access.
3. Arts expertise from Dublin City Council Arts Office
The Arts Office can offer help, support and advice on a wide range of issues owing to its long-term involvement in arts practice.
4. Community Engagement
Through the Open Studio Days twice annually and a seasonal arts programme, artists get the opportunity to engage with the local community, make connections and form networks.
5. Artistic Engagement with other artists in the complex
Communication and discussion with other artists can often solve a creative impasse. Having a community of artists close at hand is a valuable asset which can lead to cross pollination of ideas and creative energy that delivers exciting and innovative work.
6. International Artists in Residence
Access to artists visiting Dublin for specific projects can open up conversations and opportunities for artists in The Red Stables and in Dublin. This is potential resource for the Red Stables for artists working in the complex.
7. Resource Room
Artists at the Red Stables are part of an overall network of galleries and studios and receives information from the national and international arts community.
8. The Building – the physical structure
As the building is a listed historic structure it has some challenges, specifically in relation to sound travel and lack of insulation. Artists are required by their license agreement to take precautionary measures against any material/structural damage that could happen in the course of making a work.
9. License Agreement with Dublin City Council
The contract/license is issued by the Law Department in Dublin City Council and requires public liability insurance, a health and safety statement and signed IT policy.
10. Open Studios
Artists in studios are required to take part in studio Open Days twice yearly as part of their licence agreement with Dublin City Council.
Dublin City Council Arts Office, located in The LAB, Foley Street, Dublin 1. T 00 353 1 222 7841 E. liz.coman@dublincity.ie
