Empty buildings could be used by artists

DUBLIN City Council is calling on owners of empty
properties to make them available to artists and craftworkers.

Under a new inititive annouced last week the local
authourity will be drawing up a register of property owners and artists so they
can contact each other directly.

Council officials say temporary use of vacant space
offers a range of benefits to both property owners and space users as a
property in use is often easier to let as it increases exposure and interest of
the unit.

The new inititive follows a recent seminar hosted by
the council to broker links between individuals and organisations from the
creative, cultural and craft sectors and property owners and letting agents.

Speakers at the seminar discussed ideas on how to best
fill vacant spaces throughout the city and the council is following up by now
seeing if there’s interest in a register of property owners and artists.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague is backing the
idea.

“It’s in everybody’s interest to have vacant spaces in
the city utilised,

? he said.

“Leaving them empty leaves a negative impression
while artistic and cultural activities can enhance individual streets, which is
something the entire surrounding community can benefit from too.

?

Declan Wallace, Executive Manager with Dublin City
Council’s development department described the idea as a

“win win situation

?.

“Owners of vacant properties get activity in and
around their property and the artistic and cultural community get temporary
access to space not normally used for creative purposes,

? he said.

Dublin City Arts Officer, Ray Yeates, said the council
itself was making two retail units at Liberty Corner available to artists for
exhibitions, installations and other creative uses.

“The council is committed to facilitating creative,
cultural and craft communities, letting agents and developers to help solve the
issue of vacant spaces throughout the city,

? he added.

Under the plan property owners and artists will be
able to contact each other through the register and discuss rent, rates,
insurance and electricity bills.