ARTS AND CULTURAL ENHANCEMENT SUPPORT SCHEME II (ACCESS II)

GRANTS FOR ARTS AND CULTURE INFRASTRUCTURE

The current scheme called ACCESS II (Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme II) administered by The Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport runs from 2007 to 2009. ACCESS II is designed to assist the provision of high standard arts and culture infrastructure, thereby enhancing access to the arts throughout the country and is intended to provide a further impetus to the development of arts and culture facilities, thereby enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. While the intention is to prioritise the enhancement and maintenance of existing facilities, there is also provision under the terms of the scheme to support new build projects. .


A total of 67 projects received capital funding of €32m under the current ACCESS II scheme. The objective of the scheme is to prioritise the enhancement and maintenance of existing facilities, and accordingly 70% of the funds available under the scheme are directed towards the enhancement and/or refurbishment of existing facilities, with 30% for new facilities.


Projects supported included the provision of new integrated art centres, theatres and studio space and the refurbishment of existing performance spaces. It has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of quality cultural space throughout the regions.


In April 2008 a further 13 projects from the reserve list received funding in excess of €10m.


The allocation to the reserve list is as follows:

For further information, contact:

ACCESS Unit,
Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport,
Fossa
Killarney
Co. Kerry

Arts (Capital Development) - Tel: 064 6627332 or 064 6627333
Fax the Unit: (+353) 64 27350
Email the Unit: access@dast.gov.ie