O’Connell Street Artist Studios, Dublin

O’Connell Street Studios: A one-year pilot delivering 21 visual artist studios, designed to test a repeatable local-authority-and-sector-body partnership model.

The pilot shifts the conversation from “artists need support” to “what delivery mechanism actually provides affordable workspace?”

A persistent workspace gap: Affordable studios remain one of the most repeatedly identified cultural infrastructure needs.

Current provision does not always mean affordable or suitable: Key issues: Space & Capacity; Finances & Rising Costs; Demand & Artist Needs; Building Condition & Maintenance; Security of Tenure; Funding & Income Streams; Staffing & Management.

A different use for a prominent street: Studio production adds to O’Connell Street through everyday creative work, not a visitor attraction.

21 studio spaces overlooking Dublin’s main thoroughfare

Private, own-door studios
Natural light from large heritage windows
Blank canvas interiors
A community of 21 artists in the heart of the city

Rent: €200–€300/month + overheads (electricity, internet & common area services)

OPEN DAY Thursday, 20 August 2026 12 noon to 2pm
O’Connell Street Artists Studios, Manfield Chambers, Corner Middle Abbey St & Lower O’Connell Street.
view the spaces, review contracts, and ask questions.
As this is a working building site, no other dates or times will be provided.

Available from September 2026

Pilot basis — up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

What does it mean – a pilot? The pilot is to prove a model that can deliver artist workspaces and studios in central locations in a controllable manner. After a preliminary period of assessment and agreement about the success of the pilot, the programme will be part of an open call for an existing or nascent provider to take over these working studios using the VAI business model. Artists in the pilot will be given priority about continuing beyond the pilot period.

To apply, fill out the following form…

O’Connell Street Artists Studios 2026

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Are you a paid-up member of Visual Artists Ireland?(Required)

Do you have an existing studio or have been offered a studio or residency in the next 12 months?(Required)

Studios will be offered on a first come first served basis. What size studio are you looking for?(Required)

Small (with external windows – €225 per month)

Medium (no windows/low level ambient light – €200 Euro per month)

Medium (with external windows – €250 per month)

Large (with external windows – €275 per month)

Extra Large (with external windows – €300 per month)

You acknowledge that overheads will be charged back to each studio passed on the size of the studio.(Required)

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Please outline your practice and activity over the past 3 years. If you are a recent graduate, indicate your graduation year and activity since graduation. (2,000 characters)(Required)

A Dublin City Council Arts Office + Visual Artists Ireland partnership

OPEN DAY Thursday, 20 August 2026 12 noon to 2pmO’Connell Street Artists Studios, Manfield Chambers, Corner Middle Abbey St & Lower O’Connell Street.view the spaces, review contracts, and ask questions.As this is a working building site, no other dates or times will be provided.

O’Connell Street Artists Studios 2026

OPEN DAY Thursday, 20 August 2026 12 noon to 2pm
O’Connell Street Artists Studios, Manfield Chambers, Corner Middle Abbey St & Lower O’Connell Street.
view the spaces, review contracts, and ask questions.
As this is a working building site, no other dates or times will be provided.