Seanad Public Consultation on Culture and Arts Infrastructure

An dáta deiridh

The closing date for receipt of submissions is 4 p.m. on Friday, 10 April 2026.

Cur Síos ar an gComhairliúchán

Background

The arts community has raised concerns regarding access to cultural and arts infrastructure in communities throughout Ireland. Over recent decades, many arts spaces, studios, music venues and late-night cultural spaces have closed, leaving artists and cultural practitioners with fewer opportunities to create, perform and share their work. These challenges affect not only artists and organisers but also the wider public, as cultural spaces contribute to social connection, community identity and overall well-being, particularly for groups who may have limited access to cultural participation.

At the same time, a range of emerging approaches across the country demonstrate how secure, community-focused cultural infrastructure can be developed. Examples include the creative reuse of vacant buildings, community-led models for managing cultural spaces, and initiatives that integrate cultural facilities into broader social or regeneration projects. These approaches highlight the potential of publicly owned or underused buildings to support long-term cultural activity, as well as the value of exploring new ways to embed cultural spaces within residential and community settings.

A public consultation will help identify the barriers that prevent the activation of such spaces, gather insights from cultural practitioners and community groups, and inform a more sustainable, inclusive and future-focused strategy for cultural and arts infrastructure nationwide.

The Process

The Seanad Public Consultation Committee is particularly interested in hearing from and the views and/or experiences of:

1. Members of, and bodies representing, the Cultural and Arts professions
2. Arts space and cultural venue providers, in the arts and cultural sphere, and those in related industries
3. Community-led and socially engaged artists and/or arts workers
4. Volunteer-led cultural organisations or other non-professional cultural/artistic groups
5. Youth-focused arts and cultural workers and/or organisations
6. Third-level cultural and artistic societies
7. Government Departments and local government representatives
8. Public bodies
9. NGOs
10. Public Representatives

In addition, the Committee may invite witnesses to make oral presentations to the Seanad Public Consultation in public hearings.

The Seanad Public Consultation Committee will draft and publish a report in which it will make findings and recommendations.

When its report has been published, the Committee will present its findings and request a debate with the Minister or relevant Ministers in the Seanad.

• Read more about the Submission process

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