Menu
benchspace partners with local and national organisations to promote the development of inclusive, locally rooted and sustainable creative enterprises.
The Rising Sparks Programme was established to develop visible pathways into creative careers for all of Cork’s communities. Through a structured programme of hands-on creative practice, skills development and free access to benchspace facilities – Rising Sparks aims to support transitions into long-term creative livelihoods for individuals from underrepresented communities in the creative enterprise sector. The Rising Sparks Programme is made possible by the Cork Arts Fund 2021 – supported by the Anonymous Donor Fund at The Community Foundation for Ireland.
Find out more here.
Supported by the Cork County Council Arts Service and South Cork Local Enterprise Office, the annual Dearcán Bursary was established to provide early career artists, makers and product designers with an opportunity to develop the creative and commercial aspects of their work. The bursary supports a twelve month membership at benchspace, including studio space, workshop use, a contribution towards locally sourced materials and an expenses stipend. The 2022 Dearcán Bursary was awarded to Visual Artist Paul McKenna.
The annual Designer-in-Residence Programme brings established designers & makers to Cork, to showcase their work and contribute fresh perspectives to resident and local makers through workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects. The 2021 Designer-in-Residence – Goldsmith, Eve Doyle – was supported by the Cork City Council Arts Office.
As part of our objective to increase public engagement in Irish design and creative manufacturing we offer regular, maker-led, open access to our workshops in the form of Open Making sessions. These public drop-in events provide informal opportunities for the making-curious and would-be creatives to interact with professional makers and discover pathways into making. If you would like to sign up for one of our Open Making sessions, or if you’re a professional maker interested in volunteering, please get in contact.
benchspace
Units O15 & B1B
Marina Commercial Park
Centre Park Road
Cork City
T12 YAE4
Public
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Day Passes
Monday to Saturday 9am – 9pm
Monthly Passes
24/7 anytime access.