The National Sculpture Factory was set up in 1989 to provide sculptors and mixed-
media artists with safe, flexible, large-scale workshop spaces.  It is one of the
largest Sculpture Workshop Facilities in Ireland, which also offers comprehensive
training, plus a lecture and artists’ commissioning programme. Housed in a
converted Tram maintenance warehouse in the Docklands area of Cork City, The
National Sculpture Factory provides 10 workshop spaces in total with two places
for Resident Artists.

Rental of Factory facilities
The National Sculpture Factory studios are primarily for the use of practicing professional visual artists. Other non-commercial artists or arts organisations may rent space where they are not in direct competition with visual artists (for the space).

Rental
Factory floor space rental includes technical backup, assistance and use of all the equipment, with the exception of the kiln, (there is a separate charge for this). Where appropriate, space can also be rented on a shorter basis (see below). There are up to twelve individual spaces (or bays), which can be rented singly, or in groups (depending on the scale of your work). Rental is heavily subsidised and remains the same regardless of the number of bays needed for your project (see below).

Booking guidelines
Booking in advance for workshop space is advised. Download booking form here. If you are not already a member, see membership below.

Space allocation procedures
Once you have submitted your form, your application is reviewed and a decision is made. You will be informed of the outcome of the decision within two weeks of sending in your form. Depending on the number of applications at any one time, it may take longer to contact you.

Rental/ booking of NSF workshop space is dependent on membership of the National Sculpture Factory (see membership) and the following criteria.

*In order to facilitate the maximum number of artists and to encourage creative exchange amongst a variety of artists, (in addition to the space not being suitable for long term use) the maximum rental of space at any one time is 12 months.

Membership
The membership application form is available here. This form must be filled out and sent with:

Rental summary
Daily (depending on space required) €20.00
Weekly (depending on space required) €60.00
Monthly €170.00

Annual Membership
Resident of Ireland €25
UK residence €35
International residence €50
Life-time membership €150
Student rate €10
VAI members €15
  Studio Rental (monthly rate) €170
Studio Rental (weekly rate) €60
Studio Rental (daily rate) €20

Kiln firings
off peak (8pm - 8am) Cost per unit firing €
studio holders 17c
members 20c
VAI members 22c
non members (commercial rate) 30c + €10
Peak (8am - 8pm)
studio holders 30c
members 32c
VAI members 37c
non members (commercial rate) 50c + €10

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