Temple Bar Gallery + Studios: 40 years of artists working in the city

30 May 2023

Temple Bar Gallery + Studios launches a weekend programme of talks, events, performances, and conversation in celebration of the organisation’s forty-year journey.

On 10 June, TBG+S will open their doors and invite the public to discover the story behind the organisation, and the artists housed by the studios and supported through the gallery programme. A dynamic event programme celebrates and reflects on the organisation's history, and uses this moment to investigate and ensure the future of artists working in Dublin city and build on the legacy of the visual arts in Ireland.

The event programme will kick off with a curator’s tour of the current gallery exhibition breathing with heels, walking with eyes by artist Fanny Gicquel, led by Programme Curator Michael Hill; and performances will subsequently take place in the gallery throughout the day. How to Build a Studio highlights the importance of studio spaces in the city, and sees panel of leading voices including Valerie Mulvin, Ruairí Ó Cuív, Gerard Byrne, and Ellen Rowley come together to reflect on the foundations of TBG+S and discuss the importance of such spaces in the urban environment. Following this, visitors will get a chance to take a rare glimpse inside the artist studios in an Open Studio Guided Tour with TBG+S studio artists Clodagh Emoe, Brian Fay, Joe Hanly, Austin Hearne, Mandy O’Neill, Liliane Puthod and Luke van Gelderen as well as a visit to artists in residence Frank Sweeney and Michelle Malone who are undertaking a film production residency in preparation for EVA International. The closing event, Performing Conversations, reflects the theme of this year's programme and sees artists Lisa Freeman, Austin Hearne, Jaki Irvine, Sarah Pierce and Atoosa Pour Hosseini take a peer-based learning approach to an artist talk, playing on the notion of performance in artistic practice.

There will be several ways to support TBG+S on the day to continue their ambitious programming and key support of a community of artists including a pop-up shop and supporters stand, all of which will be available online after the event. For the 40 year celebration TBG+S commissioned a premium-quality limited edition print He Could See Behind Himself (St Columba) Poster (2023) by artist Isabel Nolan, a six-year studio member. This vibrant artwork and collectors item will brighten up any home. Inspired by the print and in ode to Nolan’s exceptional colour palette, Alex Synge of The First 47 has designed two perfect summer T-shirts which will be launched on the 10 June at the pop-up shop and through an online campaign. And of course, there will be a limited edition 40 year tote bag to mark the occasion.

Temple Bar Gallery + Studios is a leading artists’ studio complex and contemporary art gallery in Dublin City Centre. A centre for creativity in the capital, we provide a place for artists to thrive and ways for people to experience contemporary art. Celebrating 40 years of artists working in the city, founded in 1983 - by artists, for artists, for everybody.

Links to Event Programme:

Curator’s Tour: Fanny Gicquel, breathing with heels, walking with eyes

Panel Discussion: How to Build a Studio

TBG+S Open Studio Tour

Performing Conversations