City scheme could breathe artistic life into vacant buildings

EMPTY buildings in Cork City will get a new lease of artistic life under a scheme designed to tackle high vacancy rates.

Landlords of vacant commercial buildings will have their rates slashed by 50% if they strike special tenancy deals with arts and cultural groups.

The landlords must offer the buildings at a nominal rent or even free. The groups will be responsible for utility bills and insurance costs.

Landlords of long-term vacant buildings can already avail of a 50% rate reduction, subject to certain conditions. However, the Creative Cork scheme is designed to encourage occupancy and foster the city’s creative community, while allowing the landlord retain the reduced rates.

The scheme was unveiled this week by city manager Tim Lucey.

“The scheme is a very positive action by the city council in addressing the current vacancy levels in commercial premises, and in bridging the facilities shortfall for artists and creative workshop spaces,” he said.

Councillors welcomed the plan but questioned some of its conditions.

Artists must apply to the council’s arts office to take part. They need to supply a CV, details of any funding they get, details of the premises they propose to rent, and the name and details of the landlord.

Samples of their work — architecture, circus, craft, dance, digital arts, festivals, film, music, opera, sound art, theatre and visual arts work — should be submitted on DVD or CD. Their work must be on a not-for-profit basis, and any proposed gallery spaces proposed must not sell work or take commission.

Cllr Jim Corr (FG) said these conditions would make it difficult for the scheme to work.

“Artists must be allowed to make a living,” he said.

Cllr Kieran McCarthy (Ind) also called for the scheme to be opened up to heritage groups and historical societies.

However, Mr Lucey said the conditions were designed to prevent unfair competition.

“We don’t want to create a situation where we have artistic products for sale in a building in this scheme while, elsewhere, artistic products are on sale in a premises paying full rates.”

Several landlords are in talks with arts and cultural groups over vacant buildings and announcements are expected soon.