Arts Centres
We support the development of 52 arts centres across the country, vibrant hubs where artists can create, showcase their work, and connect with communities.
Arts centres have a vital role in making the arts accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
‘Swan Lake / Loch na hEala’ at the Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire. Photo: Marie Laure-Briane.
How we develop arts centres
Our arts centre policy sets out how we develop Ireland’s network of arts centres through funding and support programmes and with targeted initiatives that support strategic planning. This work is achieved through strong partnership and collaboration.
‘Welcoming the Stranger’ by Backstage Theatre Dancer-in-Residence Catherine Young Dance. Photo: Doug Fox Roberts.
Partnerships and schemes
We have partnerships, schemes and initiatives in place to offer financial support and foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. These include:
Partnerships with Local Authorities
We co-fund and support arts centres through strategic partnerships with local authorities across Ireland. These partnerships often involve joint initiatives that address local cultural needs, promote regional development, and enhance community engagement with the arts.
Strategic investment
Strategic investment initiatives address specific challenges or opportunities within the arts sector. Examples include digital innovation, environmental sustainability, or inclusivity. We encourage arts centres to pioneer new approaches and share best practice.
Creative Places
Creative Places/Cumas Ceantar celebrates people-powered arts. We support local arts centres, community groups, and artists to create sustainable, long-term arts projects that are deeply rooted in the local context.
Publications
View the latest research and reports.
Latest funding opportunities for arts centres
Spotlights
Arts centres we have supported share how their funding has made a difference to their development.
Our Arts Centres team
Michael Barker Caven
Head of Arts Centres
John O’Brien
Arts Centres Adviser
Katie Walsh
Arts Centres Officer
Thaina Whelan
Arts Centres Assistant
Get in touch
Contact our team with your questions about arts centres.
artscentres@artscouncil.ie
+353 1 2336553