Bru Digital Hub in Drogheda is one of six digital hubs nationwide chosen to participate in a unique new pilot scheme that will involve pieces of art being displayed in remote working hubs.
As part of the scheme, 12 pieces of art will be loaned to different hubs by the Contemporary Irish Art Society (CIAS). The participating hubs have also undertaken to support the work of local artists.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme, Minister Heather Humphreys said: “As a former Minister for the Arts, I know that art can be so powerful in terms of bringing a space to life.
“That’s exactly what we want to do with the 300-plus remote working hubs that are now on board the Connected Hubs network.
“This unique pilot initiative is about bringing art into the community.
“It’s about creating art spaces that our remote workers can enjoy during their breaks and which can provide great benefits in terms of reducing stress and improving our mental wellbeing.
“While there are six hubs chosen as part of the pilot scheme, I very much welcome the plans to roll this initiative out nationwide.
“I want to thank the Contemporary Irish Art Society and the local artists for working so closely with us to develop this wonderful scheme.”
National Hub Network Programme Manager, Stephen Carolan, said: “Hubs are popular and busy facilities in communities all over Ireland. This is a great opportunity for visitors to the hubs, including regular hub users, to enjoy outstanding modern art, and I know these pieces of art will add greatly to the hub community”.
“On ConnectedHubs.ie, we have over 300 hubs all over Ireland and we look forward to expanding the Art in the Hubs scheme to include many of those hubs” he added. “CIAS came to us with this idea and their passion for making it happen has been inspirational.”
CIAS Chairperson, Mary Pavlides, said: “In CIAS, we are motivated by a desire to get contemporary visual art out into the community, into buildings where people can enjoy and engage with the work.
“The prospect of extending the programme nationwide really excites us as it resonates completely with our mission. We are grateful to the Department of Rural and Community Development and ConnectedHubs.ie for the enthusiasm they have shown for the project.”
Connected Hubs is a Government initiative, supported by The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). It was launched in 2021 and there are currently just over 300 hubs on the network, and over 10,000 users.
The booking platform www.connectedHubs.ie is a one-stop-shop for hubs throughout Ireland. Launched in May 2021, it is designed to simplify and standardise the process of sourcing and booking spaces, desks, offices and events in hubs.
The CIAS is an important force in contemporary visual arts culture in Ireland. As well as the purchase of artworks, it runs a regular programme of visits to public and private galleries, artists’ studios and private collections. The society also advises on the collection and display of Irish art, leading to a greater appreciation and understanding of the country’s dynamic contemporary visual arts movement.
