OWNERS OF PROPERTIES which are lying vacant have been urged to let others use them for art and creative events, as part of a new initiative being promoted by Dublin City Council.

Temporary art installations and other events in unused spaces would enhance the city and benefit the entire community, the council said.

It said the scheme would be a “win-win situation” for artists and property developers, as creative use of vacant spaces would “animate” them and make them more attractive to potential tenants.

The council said it plans to set up a register of property owners and artists interested in taking part in the scheme. Parties can then contact each other directly to negotiate details in arrangements that could last between one week and six months.

“It is in everybody’s interest to have vacant spaces in the city utilised,” said Andrew Montague, the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Leaving them empty leaves a negative impression while artistic and cultural activities can enhance individual streets which is something the entire surrounding community can benefit from too.

The council also announced it will make two spaces it owns at Liberty Corner in the north inner city available for artistic uses.

“The City Council is committed to facilitating creative, cultural and craft communities, letting agents and developers to help solve the issue of vacant spaces throughout the city”, said Ray Yeates, arts officer for the council.

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