Project Arts Centre

What’s not to love about The Project Arts Centre! (said in cheesy theatrical voice-​over style).
The coolest thing about them is that they are also producers and promoters of the arts in general, as well as acting as a creative space. You can tell that their involvement in the arts is more than skin deep if you check out their website at any given time and see the breadth of the programme they have on offer. Visual arts, theatre, dance, music, talks, and so much other shizzle.
Throw in the location, smack bang in the middle of Temple Bar, and the extremely affordable price point of most of their shows, sure why wouldn’t you be all over it?!

One of the venues that make Temple Bar so much more interesting. It’s a space devoted to performative and contemporary art, from plays to curated exhibitions.
It’s well worth keeping an eye out for what goes on here, some small but interesting productions pop up from time to time. A considerable part of their programme is offered for free.
Like other people said, the entrance feels a bit uninviting for some reason — is it that you’re immediately faced with the reception desk, their gatekeeper? Or the tables to the side, surrounded by books, where a lot of times a sort of private lecture seems to be going on? Whatever it is, don’t be put off by it, the members of staff are quite nice.
I can attest to the versatility of the different rooms, as they are completely transformed to better suit whatever they’re hosting. One month there’s a huge installation making use most of the space and the next you have a stage and rows of theatre seats.
There’s a small café too, and the area by the big windows upstairs, overlooking the street and bathed by its light, is a good place to sit and relax for a while, a lot more relaxing than the tables downstairs.

This museum is kind of strange, maybe all project arts is. But I helps to widen your perspective on the world. I visited this museum, while it was admission free (ongoing till 1^st of august 2015).
It takes you maybe 1 hour to walk through all the stuff. Get the free text book our you have no clue what is going on in the darkness. I could recommend it, but dont know what the normal entry fee is.
There are 3 dark rooms with around 8 pieces each. From time to time the piece is lighted and you can see (and/​or hear) what is going on. Not only short filmes, but also curtains or tanks, which full beauty lies in the projector work.
PS: Made my girlfriend laughing so hard for 5 minutes. Luckly we have been alone in the room for that time.

A brilliant venue, I went to see a play here last minute. The layout of the seats and stage made you feel part of the play. The bar area is a bit small but nice, the outside smoking area is cool too. The staff are very friendly and chatty. I will definitely be returning

Project Arts tend to showcase less mainstream acts and it’s a great opportunity to see these bang smack in the city centre. The staff are lovely, the space itself is well-​designed so whereever you sit the view and acoustics are good. There’s a café I’ve never tried, I must do sometime.

A fantastic space playing host to some fantastic events.
For our part we wee here as part of the Bram Stoker festival — to see an event called the Vampire with no teeth.
It was a simple set up and the space (The Cube) lent itself beautifully to a lone story teller and a cellist; a small intimate venue that got smaller and scarier as the stories got bigger and bloodier.
Highly recomended on all levels!

It is always nice to see an open space full of art and inspiration. Even if you have no clue about the place, you are welcome to check their installations and many performances — some for free; only requiring booking. They are also involved in Dublin Theater Festival.

Love this space. Their program varies from dance to theatre to visual art. Their program includes some great contemporary performances. If you are up for some good cultural night out, it’s for you.
Great bar and seating area upstairs to enjoy a pre — performance drink.

My most favouritest place in Dublin to catch a performance. Three spaces used for many purposes: exhibition, theatre, dance. If you are into more contemporary type (but not only) performance Project Arts Centre always has something interesting on.
Everytime I have been to see a show in the large space upstairs the layout has been different and changed to the particular performance. I love that. In all the years, there hasn’t been a show I haven’t enjoyed there and I am a regular!
Fantastic location, great space, convenient bar upstairs. Go now!

We were here to see a rather brilliant play called ‘Solpadine is my boyfriend’ and it was the first time I’ve been in this theatre in a long time. The downstairs/​reception area is a bit cold for lack of a better word, you almost feel like talking is frowned upon and revert to library/​church style whispering!
Upstairs is actually a really nice space with a little bar that has a decent range and isn’t too pricey, also a very modern set up and style and if you sit by the window one of my new favourite people watching spots in Dublin, I wonder if I can get away with going to that bar even if I’m not seeing a play…
The theatre itself was a nice mid size, with tiered seating and good sound quality and acoustics, I’ve even followed them on Facebook to keep an eye out for another excuse to go :)

Lovely venue right in the heart of Temple Bar — boys night out for a play in the Cube theatre.
The foyer and reception area felt a bit like a library — very sterile and quiet. It makes you feel like you need to whisper… *hush*
Upstairs is a different crowd altogether — an intimate bar with big windows, perfect for people watching in Temple Bar. Small but good selection of beer too, my mates enjoyed a Brooklyn beer while I guzzled back a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Note however the bar will be closed for the time a show is going on upstairs so plan your visit accordingly!

Project Arts Centre,
12 points music festival — February 2013
For a measly 40 euro I was able to enjoy, what could possibly be the greatest festival of 2013, I only hesitate because its February and who knows what the rest of the year may bring. The music was experimental, inspirational & spiritual, it ranged from the sublime (piano of Nikolas Anadolis and the angelic voice of Olivia Trummer) to the ridiculous, (but brilliantly Koenigleopold). The Wednesday start to a festival may not seem ideal, but the capacity crowd would beg to differ.
Mopo had the privilege of opening and their lively intro soon had the crowd in full swing, a gutsy three piece led by a blond pixie on sax, capable of playing two instruments simultaneously (now if that isn’t talent what is!).
Olivia Trummer Trio followed on and her angelic voice and piano melded with the double bass and drums to create a musical masterpiece, the exquisite voice and funky beat left the crowd reeling for more.
And more there was, Ozma were the third band out, a four piece from France who were technically brilliant, honed and passionate and provided a real gloss to the end of a very fine first day.
Thursday opened with Sarah Buechi’s Thali, a Swiss singer (& band) capable of combining traditional Indian music and jazz, an ever evolving butterfly that seems to have the world at her feet.
The Soil Collectors were the second group of the night, an impressive three piece and their music was haunting, spiritual and tender (think lone wolf howling on the prairie) There creative genius marks them as one of the groups of the festival and one to watch out for.
Oko were the final act on the Thursday, an irish band with its feet in both the jazz and electro pop scene, their sounds were more mechanical and gritty then usual organic sounds and contrasted well with the previous bands of the night.
Hanna Paulsberg Concept opened up for us on Friday, a tight four piece band from Norway. Mature, composed and flawless they set the standard for the music to come.
Nikolas Anadolis was out next (the only solo artist) he is a staggeringly talented pianist from Greece, he performed effortlessly throughout and had the audience calling out for more.
The last act of the Friday was Koeniglopold from Vienna, for this you have to think Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat) meets Laurel and Hardy (yep there are two of them) colliding with some musical instruments! They are both extremely talented and seem to thrive on the ridiculous (in a good way) almost challenging each other to play their musical instruments badly. How many rapping jazz musician do you know! check these guys out if you get the chance.
Saturday and final day, I have to admit it was becoming a long week, a great week, but it was starting to overwhelm the senses and I was starting to wonder how it would all end.
Enrico Zanisi Trio were first out, piano bass and drums combining nicely, solid jazz from the Italian trio. The only mistake was admitting that their airline had lost their guitar, but had managed to find them a replacement, (two string broke moments later and not a roadie in sight).
Cactus truck were out quickly after, a three piece from Amsterdam and they were loud bright and vibrant, not what the Saturday night softies were expecting from the audience reaction, but the punky cactus truck have real gusto and if your not afraid of a power performance, definitely one to check out when you get the chance.
So how do you end the music event of the year, simple you bring out the big guns, in this case it was to be the Beats & Pieces Big Band, 14 members and all the previously missing instruments of trumpets, trombones and horns that you could find. This is a well refined band with true sounds, a band that really enjoys what they do and you cant help but get swept up with the wave of euphoria, a big ending to a big festival and long shall the memories linger.
Gerry Godley was artistic director, MC and general host for the nights, he gave out free goodies, continually plugged the follow up night club (free in with wrist band) and provided general security to stop us storming the stage! Knowledge guru, cocktail namer and the glue that binds.
Things that made me laugh, smile /​feel important —
Mopo shameless plugging their cd at the merchandise desk, its nice to see a band willing to meet its audience, sign their vinyl, and provided buttons/​badges to make you feel like your part of the experience.
Koenigleopold for providing the light relief, I just wish I could have understood all the lyrics
Isabel Sorling (member of soil collectors & seated in the audience during Koenigleopold) for her braying infectious laughter… she had three rows of the audience in stitches all by herself.
Group/​band members sitting in the audience, rubbing shoulders with the little people and generally supporting the cause. (Linda, Sarah, Matthias, Lionel & Isabel — the few I managed to spot anyway)

You’re always guaranteed one thing with the Project Arts Centre — you’ll never not be affected by what you see, whether that’s the lesson of «I would never see that or anything like it again» (which is very rare) OR the very frequent «THAT WAS BRILLIANT!»
I see a LOT of Theatre and I love the Project Arts Centre for the groups it brings in and what they do and how they do it. I love both the Cube and Upstairs (very different theatre spaces used imaginatively and innovatively) and the bar has a very decent selection of drinks.
It’s a shame that more people don’t go to see work there — it’s often quite brilliant. I love the staff — whether door, floor, ticket office or bar — and I always feel a thrill when I sit into a seat not knowing what is about to be unleashed on me.
Haven’t been for a while? Go. Go see something different. Try it out. You may be pleasantly surprised and you’ll probably want to go straight back.

I went here to see Bette/​Cavett which is a reproduction of the interview between Bette Davis and Dick Cavett and was shown in the Cube area, seats about 90 people and is very intimate which I do like for stage performances.
The stage design made full use of the space and everyone got a kick out of this ridiculous American commercials from the 70s that played during the interview «breaks». They all seemed to be about dieting, happy pills and staying fit… Not much has changed sadly.
Maybe because I haven’t gone to the theatre in awhile I did find that € 15 a ticket for about an hour’s performance just a tad bit expensive. I do love to support the arts but alas I do not have to income to go to all the shows I would like to.
The venue is modern and yet at the same time very welcoming that sometimes modern architecture lacks.
I would recommend mixing it up and getting a nights entertainment here as they run the whole gamut from plays to music and I am sure that you can find something a bit more reasonable price wise.

At first I thought to myself, how do I review Project Arts Centre? It’s a theatre yes, but in ways it’s really a big white lobby with theatre spaces off it, and a bar too of course.
Surely it’s what goes on there that should be reviewed, not the building itself? Then I thought of something I said to someone about Project recently. ‘I love it there, it feels like home somehow’. And it does.
You walk in and you’re straight in, the box office in front of you. You say your name to collect your ticket and the staff hand it you you as if to say ‘of course Sinéad’, as if they already knew you.
The space upstairs is the biggest space and the one I’ve been in most often. Free seating in its long red communal seats, meaning whether alone or with a group you blend comfortably into the audience.
Then the bar outside the main space, if you choose to try and down a drink in the interval and a must for after the show to absorb the piece just seen and listen to the others’ chatter.
The more often you go, the more familiar it all feels, the more like home it becomes and the less the white walls feel cold. Project shows some great work, with a fast changing programme of theatre, dance and art. Slap bang in the middle of Temple Bar and with most things very reasonably priced. Go, look at the programme (
) and see for yourself.

Oh how I love this theatre. The lobby area where the box office is feels a little cold and hallow but that doesn’t matter cause there is lots of information here and the staff are well friendly.
The theatre spaces themselves are great and the upstairs bar is always busy at the interval as is the upstairs outside smoking area. The bar is well stocked too and the white wine by the glass is not to bad! But you do have to be quick in ordering and drinking because you cannot take the drinks back to the auditorium with you.
Also, there is only three ladies toilets upstairs so if there is a queue just nip down and use the ones on the ground floor.
The best thing about this place is the quality of the plays and shows and exhibits they have and promote. Always fresh, innovative and thought provoking and they are great champions of Irish work!

If you like to be surprised and challenged by your art, then the Project is the place for. It is one of the more experimental and innovative theatres in Dublin.
Productions are diverse, from modern Shakespeare and shocking Ibsen to alternative audio ‘de-​tours’ of Dublin city. I once saw a two-​man performance there where the actor rang his young daughter in Germany live on stage and put her on speaker phone!
The performance spaces are ‘black boxes’ so the stage area and seating plan changes every time you visit. There is a bar and I enjoyed some lovely mulled wine there at Christmas. I’ve always found the staff a little bit cool but efficient nonetheless.

The Project Arts Centre was created so that Irish and international artists could showcase their contemporary works in an accessible location. Right in Temple Bar, it hosts a variety of different shows in its gallery and performance spaces. People are invited to come see dance, music, visual arts and theatre. The centre also encourages people to have a direct contact with the art and the artist. At times, there are guided discussions that allow people to evaluate the work with the artist.
The Project Art Centre also houses a bunch of festivals such as the Dublin Writers’ Festival and the Dublin Dance Festival. These events are normally not free, but they are worth the money. I saw Colm Toibin read from his latest novel here for a tenner!
The programme changes every season so make sure to visit their website to download a brochure.