About Our Studios

Rathmines | Portobello | Kilmainham | Crumlin | Blackpitts

MART Studios: Providing a space to support the production and exhibition of visual art.

Check Out our Available Studios Here.

Through MART Studios we pride ourselves on sustaining a community of studios that offer affordable, cooperative and professional environments for the development of all things cultural! We do this by working with local landlords and authorities to inhabit spaces that facilitate artists’ studios and workspaces for creatives. We cater to emerging and established practitioners with a range of studios and project spaces for all forms of creativity. We are the largest supplier of independent space for the arts, cultural and creative community in Ireland, now supporting 170 members in nine studio buildings across Dublin.

Our members and studios have a strong impact on the local and national Creative Economy. Our studios have great transport links and neighbour some of Dublin’s best bars, cafés, restaurants & vintage shops. At MART we redevelop buildings, work with local communities, attract and create jobs and improve localities through our main values:

Cultural Advocacy: We advocate for the arts and visual culture, promoting inspiration, education and freedom of expression. We develop creative platforms to support and challenge artists. We dedicate all of our activities to supporting creativity.
Community Building: We regenerate vacant and derelict buildings, allowing them to serve their locality. We create communities of artists allowing for opportunities of collaboration and support.
Sustainability: We operate as a self-supporting organisation and provide a safe studio environment allowing artists to concentrate on their work and sustain their practice in a dedicated space, free from worry.

All income generated by the organisation is invested back into our not-for-profit activities: creating platforms for artists through studios and exhibitions, building refurbishment, providing employment and encouraging the growth of artistic communities.

Key Statistics:

50% Artists & 50% Creatives
40% of our members work internationally
60% of our members collaborate together
Main disciplines include: Visual Art, Illustration, Photography, Painting, Design, Creative Industries
70% of our MART Studio Members believe having a studio has increased their growth and practice
Members use studios for: Creative Community | Collaboration | Professionalism | Raise Profile | Creative Working Environment | Push Boundaries | Peer Support | Less Isolation | Opportunity to Grow

Our Story:

MART was set up by artists for artists. It began in 2007 by Ciara Scanlan and Matthew Nevin as a way to create exhibition opportunities for emerging artists. MART seeks to create opportunities by providing creative platforms to support creatives from all stages of their careers to test new ground. As a curatorial partnership Ciara & Matthew have curated over 200 artists through 50 exhibitions across Ireland, UK, Europe, USA & Japan. In 2013 MART opened two art galleries in a converted old fire station in Rathmines, Dublin 6, and as of 2018 has become the largest provider of studios in Ireland.

Public Opinion:

70% believe MART has had large Dublin 6 & 8 cultural, social, economic growth in the past 5 years
70% believe action should be taken to keep MART and similar organisations sustainable and open
82% believe Studio Spaces like MART are vital in Dublin City
80% believe MART’s Artistic Platforms rate 8/10

Solo & Shared:

MART is proud to provide a wide range of creative studios varying in sizes. We have small and large workshop spaces, contemporary studios and several large Georgian rooms with exposed brickwork and high ceilings. We cater to individuals, small groups and assist in pairing if you’re looking for a comrade to share with.

Benefits:

No Bills.
Curator Visits.
Fire and burglar alarm, monitored 24hrs a day.
Superfast Broadband.
Parking where possible.
Monthly Members Group Critiques.
Regular Open Studio evenings.
Safe & Comfortable Space.
All Artists Featured on Website.
Free use of gallery space for personal use (documentation of work, photoshoots, rehearsals, etc) – max. four hours at a time up to twice a month (working hours only, subject to availability).
On The Radar For Exhibitions.
Access To Tools & Equipment.
Heart of Vibrant Creative Community.
Studio access from 7am to 11pm daily.
You can check out our Health & Safety Guidelines here.

To enquire about MART Studios, please email stephen@mart.ie.

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Residency

Cultural Dialogues

In a fluid model, visiting International artists interact with Irish-based artists during the residency. During this time artists are encouraged to develop their ideas through peer exchange and collaboration. This is an exciting opportunity for both long and short term residencies that provides artists with time space and support to think, take-risks and develop their practice. MART is offers this unique professional development opportunity to support the production of Contemporary Art though cultural exchange and dialogue.

The Residency Space

Newly converted stables situated in the heart of Rathmines, and alongside the iconic MART Firestation Gallery and Studios. Residents will be able to benefit from the central location and MART’s established reputation in the Dublin art scene, and internationally. The workspace is 6×6 meters, with large double barn doors, and access to kitchen area. In this residency three contemporary artists will work alongside each other in an environment of dialogue and support.

Residents 2016

Liing Heany (IRL) Andy Morris (IRL) Roisin McNamee (IRL)

Josh Gibbs (UK) Edwina Bracken (UK) Lauren Pray (US)

William Cravis (US) Maria Pinto (PT) John Moran (US)

Auður Lóa Guðnadóttir (ISL) Luis Hilario Tovar Bonilla (MEX)

Residents 2015

David Yu (CAN) Eilidh Wilson (UK) Francesco Snote (ITA)