In 2021 following OBFA’s work on the Creative Campus Feasibility in Dublin 8, Dublin City Council asked OBFA to complete a mapping audit of cultural infrastructure in Dublin. The project continued 2020 audit work that we carried out on Artist’s Workspaces and Rehearsal spaces in the city. The data collection and mapping is assisting the city Development Plan, and wider planning around arts and culture building requirements in the city for 2022 and beyond.
From 2000 to 2020 the city lost 32 cultural buildings to re-development or re-purpose, including some of the city’s iconic performance venues such as Tivoli, Andrew’s Lane Theatre, the SFX and City Arts Centre. Our studies show that the post codes which lost the most buildings were Dublin 1, 2, 7 and 8. If the concept of the ’15 Minute City’ where people can walk to all amenities within 15 minutes is to be embraced, then replacement cultural buildings must be developed or re-purposed. Irish and UK studies show that artists’ studios last an average of 7 years, and when one closes another opens (further out of the city). When venues close they are usually lost forever.
