The Mall, Sligo, Ireland
T : +353 71 9141405 / F : +353 71 9143694 / info@modelart.ie
The Model undergoing an exhilarating and innovative Redevelopment in 2008/2009. The future vision is to create a flagship contemporary arts space that is in all its activities DYNAMIC, INNOVATIVE and INCLUSIVE, with an artistic programme that will play a defining role in pushing forward Ireland’s cultural future.
This redevelopment will finally allow the Model to meet its future ambitions by providing the following improvements to the building:
- Building will be one third larger in size
- New main entrance facing onto the pedestrianised Civic Space
- Increased and improved Gallery space creating a gallery circuit on the first floor
- A purpose built performance space with a high technical specification
- Seven purpose built artists studios
- One artists' residency studio for visiting artists
- One Music Recording Studio
- A doubling of Education facilities which will allow for both practical and discussion/seminar/multimedia work
- Additional storage space for the Niland Collection and temporary exhibitions
- Better access to the first floor galleries: A platform lift and removable window will allow 3m x 3m access for artworks
- Increased opportunities for income generation: improved facilities for commercial hires and increased opportunities for office rental
- Improved restaurant facilities and a commercial kitchen
WHY ARE WE REDEVELOPING?
The Redevelopment is being planned in the context of creating a brand new Cultural Quarter for Sligo which will include:
· The Model Arts and Niland Gallery Redevelopment
· A new ‘State of the Art' County Museum for Sligo
· A new Civic Space
· Commercial developments
This development is led by Sligo County Council and is a symbiotic combination of high-level cultural activity with commercial development. Sligo’s increasing population and economic, commercial and infrastructural growth make this development a necessity.
The Model’s Redevelopment is part of the essential economic and cultural growth for Sligo. The development of the Cultural Quarter is a visionary concept that will make a significant impact on the city and will bravely identify the importance of culture and the arts here. By the Model taking its place in this new Cultural Quarter, it can ensure a continued relevance and importance to the local area, and actively contribute to the cultural economy of the North West on a whole.
The Model has successfully met the local appetite for high level cultural programmes but has reached the point at which it needs to develop in order to meet its future needs and the needs of its growing audiences. After the redevelopment, the Model will be an internationally significant flagship venue led by the visual arts with a) museum standard galleries; b) a high-level performance space; c) artists’ studios.
