Bank on James Street reopens as art space – Stephen Davis as the news on this welcome cultural repurposing
The former Bank of Ireland branch on the corner of James Street and Watling Street in Dublin, which was mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses, will reopen on Friday as an exhibition and workspace for local artists. The protected structure was one of 88 Bank of Ireland branches that closed more than a year ago.
The bank is part of the Digital Hub’s lands and has since undergone a €100,000 restoration and redevelopment project so it can be repurposed as an artists’ space with local creative collective FLUX opening the first exhibition on Friday the 12th continuing until the 19th. The exhibition will feature artworks by 35 FLUX studio members, including painting, photography, theartre and video production, glass art, and sustainable fashion.