Accessing art in Ennis spaces

AN initiative aimed at using Ennis’ empty shop fronts to promote the county’s art, culture and heritage has been launched and property owners, artists and community groups are being called upon to jump on board.
The Ennis Access to Spaces Initiative (EASI) is a collaborative project involving Ennis Town Council, Clare County Council and Ennis Chamber and is aimed at revitalising Ennis town centre.
It will build on similar initiatives established in other parts of the country, where landlords allow artists temporary use of vacant buildings while they are awaiting new commercial clients.
Speaking about the initiative, which was launched recently, CEO of Ennis Chamber, Rita McInerney, said, “It is a good example of organisations coming together working to secure something positive for the town and it could have benefits for lots of people, be it artists, landlords and the county as a whole”.
Having carried out a review of empty units and shop fronts in the county town recently, 47 vacant units were identified in prime locations that would be suitable for engaging with this project.
Ms McInerney explained how the initiative came about. “We have been talking about this for a while. The Arts Office and Siobhán Mulcahy had a similar idea in relation to the arts and it was good timing in that the council got on board as well, as they would have a concern about vacant units too. There has been a good turnover of units and, in the interim, it is good to keep the town looking fresh and vibrant.
“So the three organisations came together and met and thought there would be a way, considering it had been done in Limerick, of merging landlords, artists, businesses and organisations in the town to work together to promote the artists and to promote the town and county in a positive way.
“At the same time it illustrates there are units there to let that are vacant but they are made look more appealing and vibrant,” she said.
She explained participating units could be used to display art, installations or promotional material for cultural sites or festivals.
“There are a lot of artists interested in the concept and there was a number of businesses at the launch and landlords. What is important is if enough landlords or premises step up to the plate and act as test cases in relation to it and become advocates for this, then others will follow suit.
“They are actively trying to let out their premises and if this is seen as something that is an interim solution it benefits them because the artist or organisation displaying in their shop window have an obligation to keep it clean, tidy and have it washed from the outside and make it look good, so that is a bonus for the landlord.
“At the same time, they have to be sure there won’t be an issue if the landlord gets a tenant as they have to pay the mortgage at the end of the day,” she said.
Ms McInerney said there are still details to be sorted out, such as insurance and the payment of light and heat for the use of the units but the committee members are currently working on ironing these out.
“We have landlords interested and we would welcome more who want to get involved or learn more about it and we will provide them with the full information when it has all been finalised,” she explained.
The initiative is not confined to art though and community or organisations promoting the town or the county are also invited to participate.
“We will have plenty of people looking for the space but we are really looking for the spaces at the moment. We are also looking at organisations that are of the common good, such as the street festivals or other festivals that happen in the town or around the county to display. There is no commercial element to this at all,” Ms McInerney concluded.
Any artists looking to participate in the programme should contact Siobhán Mulcahy in Clare County Council and any businesses can be directed to Ennis Chamber.