Feature Story

"Fire Station Artist Studios Dublin: Where Art Meets History"

Nestled in the heart of Dublin, Fire Station Artists' Studios (FSAS) is a beacon of creativity and innovation, transforming a former fire station into a vibrant hub for contemporary art. Established in 1993, this unique arts organization has been instrumental in fosting the careers of countless Irish and international artists.

cars are parked in front of an old brick building
cars are parked in front of an old brick building

About Fire Station Artists' Studios Dublin

a white door with a brown cord hanging from it's side and an image of a rock in the middle
a white door with a brown cord hanging from it's side and an image of a rock in the middle

Fire Station Artists' Studios Dublin is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable, long-term studio space to professional artists. Its mission is to support and nurture artistic practice, fostering a creative community that contributes to Ireland's cultural landscape. The studios are housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century fire station, located in the Dublin City Council's North City area.

Studio Space and Facilities

South London Gallery opens Fire Station building renovated by 6a
South London Gallery opens Fire Station building renovated by 6a

The FSAS offers a range of studio spaces to accommodate artists working in various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital media. The studios are well-equipped with facilities such as a darkroom, woodworking shop, and kiln, ensuring artists have access to the tools they need to bring their creative visions to life. Additionally, the FSAS provides storage space for artists' work and materials.

Studio Types

the inside of a fire station with luggage and equipment on the floor next to stairs
the inside of a fire station with luggage and equipment on the floor next to stairs
  • Large Studios: Approximately 40 square meters, suitable for artists working in sculpture, installation, or other large-scale practices.
  • Medium Studios: Around 20 square meters, ideal for artists working in painting, printmaking, or other mediums that require a moderate amount of space.
  • Small Studios: About 10 square meters, perfect for artists working in smaller formats or those who require less space for their practice.

Residency Programs

Fire Station Artists' Studios Dublin offers residency programs that provide artists with the opportunity to live and work in the studio complex for a specified period. These programs aim to support artists' professional development, encourage experimentation, and foster a sense of community among the residents.

a group of women standing next to each other in front of tall buildings on a city street
a group of women standing next to each other in front of tall buildings on a city street

International Residency Program

The FSAS International Residency Program invites artists from around the world to spend up to three months in Dublin, engaging with the local arts scene and developing their practice. This program is open to artists working in any discipline and at any stage of their career.

National Residency Program

an old building with many windows and doors
an old building with many windows and doors

The National Residency Program is designed for Irish artists, offering them the chance to spend up to six months in the FSAS studios. This program aims to support Irish artists in their creative development and provide them with the time and space to explore new ideas and techniques.

Public Engagement and Events

a dining room table and chairs in front of a brick wall with stairs leading up to the second floor
a dining room table and chairs in front of a brick wall with stairs leading up to the second floor
Fire Station Fire Station Exterior With Ambulance, Fire Station With Two Fire Trucks, Historic Fire Station Design, Fire Station With Three Fire Trucks, Fire Station Architecture Design, Fire Station Architecture Ideas, Vintage Fire Station Architecture, Old Fire Station Architecture, Classic Fire Station Architecture
Fire Station Fire Station Exterior With Ambulance, Fire Station With Two Fire Trucks, Historic Fire Station Design, Fire Station With Three Fire Trucks, Fire Station Architecture Design, Fire Station Architecture Ideas, Vintage Fire Station Architecture, Old Fire Station Architecture, Classic Fire Station Architecture
an empty parking garage with red doors and no one in the area to enter it
an empty parking garage with red doors and no one in the area to enter it
Fire Station - Abishara McLindin
Fire Station - Abishara McLindin
a fire station with a rainbow in the background
a fire station with a rainbow in the background
a multicolored building with many windows and balconies
a multicolored building with many windows and balconies
Gallery of Pyrmont Fire Station Restoration  / GroupGSA  - 32
Gallery of Pyrmont Fire Station Restoration / GroupGSA - 32
a room filled with lots of different types of furniture and items in it's walls
a room filled with lots of different types of furniture and items in it's walls
Instagram Flooring, Instagram
Instagram Flooring, Instagram
an old brick building with red doors and windows
an old brick building with red doors and windows
the building is made of red brick and has two balconies on each side
the building is made of red brick and has two balconies on each side
Gallery of Fire Station No. 4 / IDOM  - 1
Gallery of Fire Station No. 4 / IDOM - 1
two drawings of different sections of a building
two drawings of different sections of a building
an old brick building with red doors and windows
an old brick building with red doors and windows
a fireman sitting on the floor in front of lockers with jackets hanging from them
a fireman sitting on the floor in front of lockers with jackets hanging from them
So Long, Clerkenwell Fire Station
So Long, Clerkenwell Fire Station
two fire fighters standing in front of the fire station
two fire fighters standing in front of the fire station
a fireman standing in front of a red rack
a fireman standing in front of a red rack
Clay Brick Pictures - Michelmersh Product Gallery - MBH PLC
Clay Brick Pictures - Michelmersh Product Gallery - MBH PLC
Old Fire Station, New Harmony, IN
Old Fire Station, New Harmony, IN

Fire Station Artists' Studios Dublin is not only a workspace but also a dynamic cultural center that engages with the public through a variety of events and initiatives. The FSAS hosts exhibitions, talks, workshops, and open studios, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with the wider community.

Exhibitions

The FSAS Gallery presents a diverse program of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring the work of both resident and invited artists. These exhibitions offer a unique insight into the creative processes of contemporary artists and provide an opportunity for the public to engage with and appreciate their work.

Open Studios

Open Studios is an annual event that invites the public to explore the FSAS studios and engage directly with the artists. This event provides a rare glimpse into the creative process and offers visitors the chance to purchase artwork directly from the artists.

How to Apply

Artists interested in applying for studio space or residency programs at Fire Station Artists' Studios Dublin can find detailed information and application forms on the FSAS website. The application process is competitive, and applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the organization's values and ethos before submitting their application.

Fire Station Artists' Studios Dublin plays a vital role in Ireland's cultural landscape, supporting and nurturing artistic practice, and fostering a creative community that enriches the lives of all who engage with it. Whether you're an artist seeking studio space or a member of the public eager to explore the vibrant world of contemporary art, Fire Station Artists' Studios Dublin has something to offer you.