The former Bank of Ireland building on Thomas Street get a new life as a multipurpose cultural and exhibition use
12.05.23
Dublin 8 creative community FLUX (formerly known as Block T) will launch a new art exhibition on Friday, May 12th, inaugurating The Digital Hub’s newly repurposed arts venue on Thomas Street. Formerly used by Bank of Ireland, The Bank is now available for exhibition use with a program of events and bookings confirmed for the remainder of the year.
The exhibition marks a new era for Block T as they rebrand to FLUX and will run from Friday May 12th to Friday May 19th, with the launch coinciding with Culture Date With Dublin 8 Festival.
The exhibition will feature artworks by 35 FLUX studio members, showcasing a diverse range of creative work ranging from fine art painting and photography to theatre production and video production, glass art and sustainable fashion.
A range of creative businesses will also be on display, such as Izzy Wheels. Founded by sisters Ailbhe and Izzy Keane, Izzy Wheels designs a wide range of removable wheelchair covers. Inspired by Izzy, who was born with Spina Bifida and uses a wheelchair, Ailbhe’s passion for design has led to Izzy Wheels featuring in widely recognised publications, such as Vogue, Elle and Forbes, with the duo receiving awards such as the EU Prize for Women Innovators and a place on the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list.
FLUX is a brand-new cultural initiative from Chris Cullen, former Director of Block T Studios. FLUX continues Block T’s mission of providing much needed affordable workspace to Dublin’s creative community and is currently home to over 40 artists and makers from their base in The Digital Hub in Dublin 8. FLUX also looks to find creative solutions for vacant and under-utilised buildings in the city, advocating for ‘Meanwhile Use’ for short-term cultural events.
The former Bank of Ireland branch, which served the community for many years until its closure in 2022, has undergone a transformation to a vibrant, bright and versatile cultural space. The reopening of The Bank adds a further location for use at The Digital Hub’s Thomas Street campus, as 2022 saw an increase in demand for multipurpose venues with spaces occupied for over 330 days last year.
Later in the month, FLUX is set to hold a Sustainability in Fashion Event and Exhibition. Running from Sunday, May 28th to Saturday, June 3rd, this exhibition will feature FLUX member Sharon Sweeney, a sustainable fashion designer alongside a wide range of fashion creators and designers, all focused on raising awareness of sustainable clothing and the effects of fast fashion on the environment.
FLUX is a creative cluster of community artists in Dublin 8, focused on producing high quality cultural programmes for the public while connecting individual artistic networks with one another. In addition to their exhibition this weekend, FLUX runs a collection of creative classes and courses for individuals looking to develop and refine their artistic skills. You can find out more at www.blockt.ie.
