Art in the hubs
Arts in the Hubs brings contemporary art into Connected Hubs across Ireland to enrich hub environments, support local artists, and foster creativity in our communities.
What is Arts in the Hubs?
Arts in the Hubs is a national arts programme developed in partnership between Connected Hubs and the Contemporary Irish Arts Society (CIAS). It places curated works of contemporary Irish art in remote working hubs throughout the country, transforming everyday workspaces into inspiring creative settings.
This initiative expands the role of hubs beyond coworking and professional space to places where culture and creativity are visible and accessible to all hub users and local communities.
How the Programme Works
Art on Display: Hubs selected to participate receive artwork from the CIAS collection on loan. Pieces are chosen to engage diverse audiences and animate hub spaces.
Community-Curated Collections: Over time, hubs can build rotating showcases of art that reflect the creativity of their region, attract local interest, and create conversation.
Pilot to Nationwide Rollout: The programme began with a pilot involving a small number of hubs across several counties. Based on positive feedback and impact, the initiative is now rolling out nationwide with ongoing support.
Why it matters
Enhances Hub Spaces. Artwork introduces visual interest, stimulating creativity and wellbeing for members and visitors.
Supports Irish Artists. By placing contemporary works in community hubs, the programme elevates local and national artistic practice.
Brings Art into Everyday Life. It encourages hub members and the wider community to encounter art outside formal gallery settings.
Recognition
The Art in the Hubs initiative has been recognised for its innovative cultural contribution to workspaces.
It was shortlisted for the Best Creativity in the Workplace Award at the Business to Arts Awards, highlighting how art can enrich work and community environments.
Participating Hubs
The Arts in the Hubs scheme is already live across a wide range of Connected Hubs, with capacity to welcome additional participants. Current hubs involved include:
1. M:Tek 1, Monaghan, 2. Castleblayney Enterprise Centre, 3. Regus Brú Digital Hub, Drogheda, 4. Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre, 5. co:worx, Edgeworthstown, County Longford, 6. The Yard, Abbeyshrule, 7. ACE Enterprise Park, Clondalkin, 8. Terenure Enterprise Centre, 9. Creative Spark Dundalk, 10. Creative Spark Downtown Hub Dundalk, 11. Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, Dublin 7, 12. Ardee Business Park, Ardee, County Louth, 13. Flexi Desk, Nenagh, County Tipperary, 14. The Impact Hub @ Crann, Ovens, County Cork, 15. WeDo Work Spaces, Kilkenny, 16. Barraduff Community Hub, County Kerry, 17. The Ridge, Castleblayney, County Monaghan (sister hub of Castleblayney Enterprise Centre), 18. Aghamore Community Hub, County Mayo, 19. Newbridge Business Centre, County Kildare, 20. Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub, County Galway, 21. Newbliss Digital Hub, County Monaghan, 22. CREW, County Galway, 23. The Rising Tide Business Centre, County Wexford, 24. Forge Works, County Galway, 25. Culture Co-Working, County Cork, 26. Grow the Glens, Cushendall, County Antrim, 27. Mohill Enterprise Centre, County Leitrim, 28. Moneygall Community Hall, County Offaly, 29. IQ Ballina, County Mayo, 30. Bridge Enterprise Centre, 31. gteic @ Uíbh Ráthach, 32. Culture City, 33. SocoLab, 34. The Junction Hub, 35. Greenhills Enterprise Centre, 36. The Cube FlexiSpace, 37. The Buckley Coworking, 38. ii – inishowen innovation, 39. Books At One, and 40. gteic @ Cuigéal.
Art in the Hubs sponsors
Connected Hubs is a central driver of the Irish National Hub Network, a Government of Ireland initiative aimed at establishing and strategically expanding a network of interconnected hub facilities throughout the country. Connected Hubs is a Government of Ireland initiative under Our Rural Future. Connected Hubs is managed by the Western Development Commission in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
