Context for the development of Artists Studios
Over the last 20 years the creation of artist studios in Tulla, Ennistymon and most recently Ennis, supports visual artists in making work in Clare, and offers young artists the opportunity to work at home, developing their practice. Coupled with the imminent development of a new gallery in Ennis, the visual arts and their development with new media, offers exciting engagements with local communities and opportunities to further disseminate images and visions of the county worldwide.
It is an ambition of the Arts Office of Clare County Council, outlined in the Flourish: County Arts Development Plan 2019 - 2023, that studio artists will be better connected in with local communities, venues, festivals and arts organisations as places of co-production and enhanced public engagement and visibility. As part of the consultations for the plan, artists expressed the need to access studio spaces that support individual artform practice, as well as co-working spaces to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and artistic innovation through links with other sectors.
We currently have co-working spaces available at EASI until June 30th, 2023. Arts organisations, cultural practitioners, artists, writers and multi-disciplinary practitioners are welcome to apply.
Ennis Artists Studios Initiative (EASI) - ongoing applications welcome
Ennis Artists Studios Initiative has been developed by the Clare Arts Office in response to the need for artists /arts organisations workspaces in Ennis.
Based in Tracklands, Tobartoascáin, Ennis it comprises of
a) seven shared studios
b) 2 independent units – currently occupied
c) space for group work / exhibitions etc.
Each studio / workstation has access to power, broadband, water and bathrooms. There is free parking, 24 hour access to the studios and a communal kitchenette.
The studios are not suitable for heavy duty sculptural work or the creation of large scale artworks.
The cost of a shared studio in EASI is €120 per month inclusive of all utilities and wifi. The license fee is due in advance monthly by standing order along with one month’s deposit.
The studios will be let until July 30th, 2023.
Tulla Stables Studios - Not accepting applications currently
The Tulla Stables Studios is a studio resource for artists of all disciplines developed by Clare County Council with the support of the Department of Arts. It comprises of six studios each with power and water, 1 without water and with access to a kiln. 4 of the studios have a mezzanine for storage. There are toilets and shower facilities and there is broadband in each of the studios. The facility has private parking and 24 hour access.
Application criteria
- Applicants must reside in the Republic of Ireland.
- Applicants must be professional practitioners and hold a degree or diploma from a recognized educational institution or have equivalent professional experience. Persons in full time education, undergraduate students and full time MA students will not be considered.
Licensing Details
The cost of a studio in Tulla is €150 per month inclusive of all utilities. The license fee is due in advance monthly by standing order along with one month’s deposit. There are no shared facilities in Tulla.
Studios are licensed for an initial 12 month period which may be extended for a further period of 3 years and 9 months.
The cost of a shared studio in Ennis is €120 per month inclusive of all utilities etc.
The license fee is due in advance monthly by standing order along with one months’ deposit.
Studios are licensed for an initial 12 month period which may be extended for a further period,
Clare County Council insures both buildings for public liability but it is the artists’ responsibility to insure their artworks / equipment etc.
If you wish to be placed on the waiting list for the next call out for the Tulla Stables Artists Studios please contact arts@clarecoco.ie
Terms and Conditions of Acceptance
• Each artist will be issued with a legal license agreement for the studio.
• Each artist will be required to pay €150 / €120 / €100 (depending on the studio allocated) per month by direct debit / standing order for the studio inclusive of heat, light, etc.
• A deposit of €150 / €120 / €100 (depending on the studio allocated) will be required once the studio is awarded and this will be repaid to the artist once the studio has been vacated and is deemed to be left in good working order by the County Council.
• All artists agree to be bound by the operational rules and terms and conditions of the studios, which shall be provided to them when an offer of a studio is made including adhering to Health and Safety Procedures.
• Commercial activities (classes etc.) may not take place at the studios unless the artist is insured for same and indemnifies Clare County Council.
• No children’s activities may take place at the EASI Studios.
Selection of Artists
All applications will be placed before an independent selection panel who will make recommendations on the allocation of studios to artists. Final approval of allocations rests with Clare County Council. Canvassing will disqualify.
The panel relies solely on the information supplied in the applications received.
The panel reserves the right to shortlist artists on the basis of applications received and to call artists for interview where necessary.
The panel reserves the right to put a panel of artists in place if studios become available at short notice.
Scoring Criteria
- Experience to date / Potential of applicants (25 marks)
- Please outline how you propose to use the studio e.g what your activities will comprise of, how often your propose to be in situ (25 marks)
- How do you propose to connect with communities and / or other artists (25 marks)
- How will use of the studio impact your development professionally as an artist (25 marks)
