Services
Black Church Print Studio is an artists’ collective located in the heart of Temple Bar, Dublin. It supports and promotes the development of contemporary art practice through the medium of printmaking. This is achieved through the provision of excellent studio facilities, a diverse artistic programme, and by the promotion of fine art print as a leading art form both nationally and internationally.
History
The Black Church Print Studio was established in 1982 as a non-profitmaking company. The initial Board of Directors included Liam Ó Broin, Michael Byrne, Pádraig O Cuimín, Phoebe Donovan, Sara Horgan (Secretary) and John Kelly (Chairman). Its primary aim was to provide equipment and expertise in printmaking.
The Studio was originally located in Ardee House, Ardee Street, Dublin until the building was destroyed by fire in 1990. In 1993, the help of the European Regional Development Fund and the redevelopment of Temple Bar as a Cultural Quarter, the Studio moved into a propose-built premises at 4 Temple Bar, Dublin 2 where it is now situated.
Today the Studio provides professional facilities for artists working in a range of print media together with full technical and administrative support. The Studio currently has 90 full-time artist members working in screen-printing, intaglio methods, lithography, relief printing and digital printmaking. The Studio also offers temporary and assisted access, education and outreach, international artist-in-residency and an exhibition programme. Since its opening the Studio has established itself as a significant and dynamic organisation and has proved to be a valuable facility and resource for hundreds of artists over the years and is now one of the leading contemporary fine art print studios in Ireland.
It promotes the study and understanding of traditional and new methods of printmaking and maintains a permanent centre where printmaking was taught, practiced and encouraged. The Studio has orgainised many exhibitions in Ireland and promotes the awareness of international printmaking by participating in exchange exhibitions.
It is grant-aided by the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and the Department of Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht.
Mission
To provide a well managed, fully equipped, professional facility with technical, administrative and digital support for full-time members, dedicated printmakers and the wider public.
To maintain a programme of activities that supports professional development in the cultural sector.
To promote an ‘open door’ policy by providing access to the public through our artistic and education programmes.
To maintain and develop networks with other arts organisations through collaborations and partnerships.
To develop relationships with educational institutions by facilitating tours, demonstrations and internships, and by offering graduate and undergraduate award schemes.
To provide an annual International Artist-in-Residence programme and develop international exchanges and collaborations.
