ARTHOUSE

Arthouse is one of two interlocking buildings in the newly created Curved Street. It is the most experimental of Temple Bar's cultural institutions dealing as it does with digital technology in art and design. The architectural expression of this ethos involves glass, iron bars, whitewash and a touch of neon.

Could be confused with. A progressive, low security penitentiary for white collar criminals particularly those convicted of cyberfraud. Architect. Group 91/Shay Cleary. Cost £2.5 million. Opened November 1995. Staff 19.

"The easiest way to describe Arthouse," says its chief executive officer, Aileen MacKeogh, "is as a bridge between artists and technology... it helps artists to reach wider audiences but also to connect with other artists around the world."

The centre provides a range of services and programmes dealing with digital creativity which includes training, events and exhibitions as well as promotion.

Although anyone at all may come in and access the internet from the Cyberia Internet cafe in Arthouse, members of the public do not have immediate access to most of the technology the centre possesses. Arthouse does run a weekly and a monthly seminar dealing with digital technology, but in general its training facilities cater more to those who have applied in advance for the limited number of places available.

At the moment, by asking at the downstairs reception desk, the public may visit the Arthouse Library to consult the Artifact database of Irish artists, and the developing collection of around 100 CDROMs. Persistence may be required. Calling unannounced to see the library recently, this journalist was told it was closed until recognised by a member of staff.

If all the facilities in the centre were in use "close to 400" people could use Arthouse at one time, says MacKeogh.