LIMERICK Arts Office has announced details of the country’s first subsidised living space scheme for artists. An open call has been made to recognised cultural practitioners, including contemporary visual artists, performers, musicians and writers, to apply for the use of six newly-refurbished residential apartments at John’s Square. The Square reopened to the public earlier this year following a €1.5 million redevelopment by Limerick City Council and John’s Square can now be considered Limerick’s Living Cultural Quarter. Arts Officer Sheila Deegan said the scheme forms part of Limerick City Council’s strategy to further enhance and develop the steady growth in cultural infrastructure in Limerick that in turn helps to support the local cultural economy. “Potential residents include recent graduates who are contributing to the arts in the region through projects and activities associated with the Creative Limerick spaces and the possibility of attracting mid-career artists back to Limerick for a time, by offering this residential support. The apartments provide the soft infrastructure created by a community, with the informal sharing of expertise and experiences. The initiative also provides a further infrastructural support for Limerick National City of Culture 2014.” Ms Deegan continued: “The presence of The Artists’ Apartments in the heart of the City, where artists can live, will help to keep and attract artists living and working in Limerick City. The apartments, which are licensed for a period of between one year and three years, provide subsidised living spaces in recognition that artists and many individuals working in the arts are on modest income levels.” Details relating to the Scheme, as well as eligibility and selection criteria are available from www.limerickcity.ie. Applications must be submitted to [email protected]. For more contact the Limerick City Arts Office at Phone: (061) 407421, 407363.
