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Staycity Group is inviting Dublin’s cultural and creative community to propose uses for a ground-floor space at its Francis Street aparthotel. The white-box venue, on the historic site of the former Tivoli Theatre in Dublin 8, is being offered at a heavily subsidised rent as a three-year residency for not-for-profit groups and community-focused arts organisations.
A blank canvas in the Liberties
The property sits in the heart of the Liberties, an area long associated with craft, performance and local initiatives. Staycity says the site could become a new platform for contemporary cultural activity in the city centre.
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Applicants may also be able to access the adjacent external courtyard, creating scope for outdoor performances, markets and public gatherings. The brief intentionally remains broad, with organisers asking for “bold, imaginative proposals” that can activate the space through rehearsal, performance, exhibitions, markets or hybrid uses.
What the space offers
The ground-floor unit is move-in ready and fully accessible. It features direct street access, an office with a kitchenette, toilets and sound baffling to reduce noise transfer.
Additional storage and loading facilities are available and the venue can host up to 200 visitors. Operating hours are flexible, with the site able to open between 8am and 10pm, seven days a week.
Selection, timing and who can apply
Staycity is targeting not-for-profit collectives, arts organisations and community practitioners for the residency. Proposals will be assessed by a two-stage process involving an internal panel and an independent external panel.
Applications must be submitted by 17 May 2026, with the selection expected to be finalised by the end of June.
Roots and intent
Founded in Temple Bar in 2004 by brothers Tom and Ger Walsh, Staycity Group remains headquartered in Dublin 8 and employs more than 140 staff. The company says the initiative reflects its local roots and acknowledges the Tivoli site’s cultural history.
Tom Walsh, Staycity’s CEO, described the offer as an opportunity for artists and community groups to help shape a fresh cultural landmark in the Liberties, adding that the company hopes the space will become a “vibrant focal point” built on collaboration and community connection.
