Arts Council Announces Architecture Policy

The Arts Council today (16 March) releases its new Architecture Policy, Championing Architecture. The policy outlines a vision for an Ireland where the creative practice of architects is valued, where architecture culture is championed and where everyone has the opportunity to experience, and benefit from, high quality architecture in their everyday lives.

The policy gives consideration to architecture as a living contemporary arts practice that is relevant to 21st century Ireland; is supported by an infrastructure for architecture culture; and aligns - where it intersects – with a wider policy framework, namely the National Policy on Architecture, currently in development, Project Ireland 2040, and the New European Bauhaus.

The ambition of the policy, Championing Architecture, is to enhance the Arts Council’s support for the creative practice of architects and to grow a critical awareness and a valuing of architecture culture in Ireland.

Speaking about the policy, Kevin Rafter, Chair of the Arts Council said, “I am delighted that the Arts Council, as the national development agency for the arts in Ireland, is launching its architecture policy today. Architecture has been a designated art form since the first Arts Act in 1951 and this policy will see us expand and enhance our role in supporting the creative practice of architects and the public’s engagement with architecture”.

Fionnuala Sweeney, Head of Film and Architecture at the Arts Council, said “This is an important moment for the Arts Council and architecture. Our policy, Championing Architecture, gives voice to the Arts Council’s commitment to architecture and outlines how we will invest in and support architecture culture to the benefit of architects and the public over the next number of years.” 

The policy was informed by an in-depth sectoral consultation process in 2021, facilitated by M-CO consultants. The consultation involved group and one-to-one conversations with key individuals and representatives of organisations and agencies with an interest in architecture, nationally and internationally. The process explored the Arts Council’s role and remit in architecture and gave specific consideration to the artist, public engagement, an infrastructure for architecture culture as well as to advocacy and partnerships for architecture.

View the full policy document below.