Like it says on the tin a complex containing gallery studio space.
Could be confused with A small gallery, as most of the building's space is hidden behind closed doors. If you are suspicious there is nothing going on in there, you can monitor lights embedded in the pavement outside these flash at various speeds in response to activity levels inside.
Architect McCullough Mulvin. Cost including Black Church Print Studio, £1.8 million. Opened October 1994.
Staff 6.
The Temple Bar Gallery and Studio was one of the early inhabitants of the cultural quarter, setting up its old premises, in 1983. As its name implies, there are two distinct aspects to the business of the new building. The Studio group contains 30 artists' studios, occupied by artists of all disciplines, who rent at "affordable" rates. Until recently, the only way to get a studio was to go on the waiting list, but in future, proposals which fulfil "need and merit" criteria will also be considered.
Although the gallery section of the institution is related to the studios, those using the studios do not have an automatic right to exhibit there and must submit proposals for shows on the same basis as outsiders.
The only section of the building which has traditionally been open to the public is the gallery on Temple Bar. "One of the biggest plusses for me is that it has a shop front," says recently appointed director of the complex, Norah Norton. "It helps create this feeling that art is almost part of the streets cape.
From July of this year, however, visitors will be able to penetrate to the inner circles of the building, when the Atrium opens as part of the gallery space. (Oddly, thus far the striking oval stairwell at the heart of the building, which inspired the TBG&S logo, was never seen by the public.) Visits to the studios, Norton says, may be made by appointment.
