Our commitment to supporting impactful work in Ireland

We believe strongly in the power of community to make meaningful change in the world. Through our workspaces, event spaces, and community, we value and support those who make Ireland a more inclusive, sustainable, and creative place.

We offer residencies in the following areas:

Social Impact

People and organisations that purposefully address social challenges.

Sustainability

People and organisations that are taking urgent and meaningful action on climate change.

Creative Arts

People, projects, events, exhibitions, and communities that contribute to creativity and culture in Dublin city.

Social Impact

Social Impact

Festival in a Van

Festival in a Van is a mobile performance venue funded by Creative Ireland and the Arts Council, which aims to democratise access to the arts.

Since 2020, they’ve delivered free music, poetry, and theatre performances in care homes, schools, seaside piers, housing estates, countryside castles, and the car park of just about every type of setting you can imagine – Direct Provision centres, emergency accommodation, civic offices, anywhere and everywhere across Ireland.

Festival in a Van’s goal is to use the arts as a tool to build bridges across communities and to combat key social issues such as loneliness, isolation, and discrimination.

"I’m really passionate about the fact that the arts are for everyone. You don’t need a formal education to engage with an arts experience in a way that is meaningful, insightful, and at its best, transformative. The arts are about making meaning together, through a two-way conversation between creator/performer and audience, and every human being has something unique to offer into that exchange”.

– Elizabeth Mohen, Festival Director

Sustainability

Community Resource Network Ireland

 

Community Resources Network Ireland (CRNI) are the representative body for community based reuse, repair and recycling organisations in Ireland. They’re a small team supporting a network of mostly social enterprise organisations operating re-use, recycling or waste prevention activities for the benefit of the community and the protection of the natural environment.

Founded in 2010, CRNI provides a range of practical support to its members and works to advocate for the sector. The community reuse, repair and recycling sector can and is delivering a Circular Economy that has incredible environmental, social, and economic benefits not just for some, but for all.

“We are so excited to join the Tara Building’s vibrant community of creative and purpose-led organisations and individuals. We look forward to connecting with our members in the space, collaborating with other Tara members and promoting the work of our organisation and our communities.”

– National Network Executive, Emma Kavanagh

Creative Arts

Lara Hickey x Women in Film & Television Ireland

 

Lara Hickey is a creative Irish producer based in Dublin who has produced several award-winning short films and had her work selected internationally at over 75 festivals, as well as being broadcast on RTÉ, Virgin Media and Canal+. Her work has been nominated for an IFTA Award and longlisted for the Academy Awards, most recently with the Screen Ireland Focus Short LAMB by Sinéad O’Loughlin.

Lara has just wrapped on her first feature film for Element Pictures and has four other feature films in development with Screen Ireland for her own production company, Copper Alley Productions.

She is also the Co-Creative Director of X-Pollinator, a cross-disciplinary professional development and networking initiative for female, trans and non-binary talent which aims to help address gender diversity in the Irish screen industry.

Past Creative Arts Residents

Brian Gallagher headshot

Brian Gallagher

I’m a stand up comedian, writer, actor, communicator, workshop facilitator and all round jack of many trades. I’m excited to join the Tara community because I love being around smart, creative and interesting people. This residency, for me, will be a space where I can connect with like minded people, absorb new ideas and take inspiration from the varied endeavors of other community members; with the ultimate goal of writing my new Edinburgh Fringe show. My background is in communications and marketing and when I’m not on stage or writing I can usually be found delivering public speaking & authentic communication workshops.

I love collaboration, discussion, laughter and innovation and I can’t wait to get started.

Eimear O'Keane headshot

Eimear O’Keane

I’m a designer and visual artist who makes work that responds to history and visual culture. With a focus on promoting the Irish language through my work, I’m strongly inspired by Ireland’s visual language of the past, particularly old Irish typography.

My practice is curious and experimental, creating expressive and eye-catching visuals through storytelling.

Check out Éimear’s work on her Instagram page @eimearalice.

Claire Francis Byrne headshot

Claire Francis Byrne

I am a director, producer and writer based in Dublin. I like to think of myself as a filmmaker in the broadest sense of the word because in order to create my work I often have to wear many hats. I also edit and have worked in the props dept and as a camera operator. I am one of three company directors of the production company Alfonso Films and over the last seven years of making films together we have all adopted different above the line roles on different projects. This has provided a great vehicle for learning and ultimately, getting stuff made. 

I have been directing short films and commercials since 2017 and I am now currently in development with a handful of feature films projects. My hopes and dreams involve me directing my debut feature this year. 

I love film that is so visceral and evocative, it connects you with its characters and world even if it’s the farthest thing from your own lived experience. I love a captivating female lead and a story that can act as a conversation starter, leaving us with more questions than answers. 

I am always keen to meet other creatives and potential collaborators along the journey. 

“The support from The Tara Building has been incredible. Alex and Emma made everything easy, excitable and approachable... The quiet space in the office completely contrasted the laughter of the kitchen or buzz of the rooftop. There is a great calmness in Tara that amplifies a creative energy all around.”

– Gemma Kane, Writer & Actress, Creative Arts Resident Spring 2022

If you're working on an impactful project that needs support,
we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch