Creative Hubs Performance Production Partnership Commission Award

Dublin City Council’s Creative Hubs Programme, an initiative of Dublin City Arts Office and Libraries, co-ordinated by The Ark, invites proposals from experienced producing companies – organisations, venues or festivals - to work with us in partnership to produce and present new theatre or dance performance work for children (2 to 12 yrs) in Dublin City’s Creative Hub Libraries during 2026.

Creative Hubs max award of €25,000 to include production contribution and performances. Creative Hub libraries have developed a strong relationship with our local schools, special schools, ASD units and Early Years Groups and can manage local booking for performances. Audience consultation/feedback sessions can also be facilitated prior to performances ensuring that the child’s voice is included in the development of the final performance

This financial contribution and local network support is intended to offer security to the producing company in the development and presentation of new work, and create opportunities for children to experience high quality performances in their own locality outside of formal arts venues. It is anticipated that performance work being proposed is already in development (though may not initially have been planned for non-formal venues) and may have already secured other sources of development funding.

Background and Context 

The current City Arts Plan; our Arts, Education and Learning Policy; and Dublin City’s Culture and Creativity Strategy include among their objectives, increasing access and provision for children and young people to quality arts experiences in local neighbourhoods. We also recognise the ongoing need to support the quality of artistic experience through commissioning opportunities and professional development of artists, arts and cultural workers, educators and facilitators.
 
The dual strengths of the library as a site for cultural access and education is the sense of ownership felt by citizens - regardless of income, status, age, gender or ethnic origin - and its connection to local social, community and education networks.
 
The Children’s Art in Libraries has been managed by City Arts Office and delivered in collaboration with Dublin City Libraries since 2010. Dublin City Libraries and Arts Office are now working in partnership to pursue a phased expansion of a number of key Creative Hubs, engaging children through commissioned and programmed performances, exhibitions, workshops and short residencies. The free multidisciplinary programme is now co-ordinated by The Ark, on behalf of Dublin City Council. There are four Creative Hub libraries in Ballyfermot, Cabra , Coolock,  and Central Library (ILAC).
 
Creative Hubs seek to sustain high quality arts experiences for children, schools and families to access in their Library and locality, through the development of enhanced educational, community and cultural partnership. For further information on Children’s Art in Libraries: Creative Hubs to date, see link

http://www.dublincityartsoffice.ie/supporting-communities/programmes-for-children-young-people

In 2021 the programme commissioned  a musical storytelling adaption by Fionn Foley of Roddy’s Doyle’s The Giggler Treatment with The Ark;  and a dance production The Galaxy of Occupations with Roisin Whelan Dance company/VISUAL Carlow performed in Oct/Nov 2022

https://vimeo.com/wartankproductions/review/779135474/53b3537f95

• In 2022 the programme commissioned Paul Curley’s Grey Matter, in partnership with Draiocht, which toured Autumn 2023.
• In 2023 we commissioned A Masterclass for Aspiring Artists with Boss Rob (Grand Stretch) which toured in Summer and The Letter (Playground Productions/Backstage Theatre), which toured October 2024.
• In 2024 we commissioned Bombinate Theatre Company’s Buzzing which will tour November 2025.
• Previously it has commissioned theatre Stór (bilingual commission and co-production with Axis 2016) and dance. (see Dance commissions with Maria Nilsson Waller below)