Dublin Arts Hub Closes, Leaving Creatives Homeless

The Complex, an essential arts centre in Dublin, ceased operations three months ago, marking the end of its nearly 20-year presence. The multidisciplinary hub provided 18 studios, a performance venue, and a gallery, serving as a crucial resource for Dublin's creative community where studio space is scarce.

In January 2026, The Complex was forced to close after receiving just one month's notice to vacate its Arran Street East premises. This eviction differed from previous location changes as no suitable alternative venue could be found, leading to its permanent closure.

Efforts to preserve the arts centre, including a proposition for state funding to secure the premises, were unsuccessful. Director Vanessa Fielding engaged with government departments, including the Department of Finance, but funding fell through due to a lack of commitment. Departments repeatedly cited a lack of responsibility, preventing any financial support.

The closure of The Complex underscores a broader challenge facing Dublin's cultural scene, with spiraling rents and the shuttering of independent creative spaces. Artists like George Hooker and Hazel Egan have been displaced, facing difficulties in finding new workspaces and losing valuable community connections.

Artists expressed frustration over the lack of government support for culturally relevant properties, fearing that a lack of intervention will lead to the sterilization of the city's cultural identity. The situation highlights a disconnect between the celebration of successful Irish artists and the understanding of the foundational support systems they require.