All studio costs (which include LHP, rent, insurance, and general running) are shared equally between all studio members. A direct debit will be set up to each members account. Currently this equates to €35 per week but is subject to change.

All Workhouse Design Studios events such as exhibitions, retail events, workshops etc, the costs incurred are shared equally among those who participate only, as not every event will be suited to everyone’s work or schedule.

An integral part to our governance framework is that the structure of the studio is a collaborative business, which each mutually contributes to and benefits from.

• Residencies

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What does the studios offer?

• 24 hour access to studio with an individual work area and specialised equipment in metals, glass and ceramics.
• A business training course, running across 2 academic years, covering:
• Business basics (general terms, thinking, understanding of legal requirements, decision making)
• Creativity and Business, how they can work together , understanding the way you work, strengths and weaknesses, defining how you will team your creative practice with business approaches.
• Financial Strategy (understanding costs and pricing/volume of sales/means to reach markets)
• Marketing Strategy (setting specific, measurable goals/ market analysis/ targeting strategy)
• Spreadsheets and Basic Computerised Accounting (specific only to what a small business will need to know)
• Selling Skills
• Branding and development

• Optional Additional Modules to include Photoshop, photography, web authoring, project management etc.
• REVISIT STRATEGY: Instilling the concept that business planning and development is a continuous cycle.

 

A FETAC Level 5 qualification will be awarded to individuals successfully completing the business course.

A place on this course requires that individuals initially sign on to the live register with the social welfare office. Attendance on this business course requires members to join an education scheme which will be organised by the studio, removing them from the live register. This attendance entitles members to receive up to €200 per week towards their living and business expenses. This process will be explained in further detail prior to joining the studio.

Access to industry and/or business experts in a one-to-one, on-going, mentoring relationship. The opportunity to share a busy studio environment, with already established businesses, sharing creative ideas and energy. The studio acts as a strong support system for its members.

• Association with the group attributes immediate promotional opportunities.

• In approaching many business activities as a group, such as exhibiting at fairs or having professional photography, allows the studio to receive large discounts for its members.

 

history of the site

Workhouse Studios are located in the historic Kilmacthomas Workhouse which was built in 1851 in the townland of Carriganonshagh (Rock of the Female Idiots) on the Waterford side of Kilmacthomas. The Workhouse was one of many throughout Ireland and was built to receive the victims of the famine of (1845-47), and the destitute thereafter.
The building was designed to give a pleasing outward appearance, with its mullioned windows and gabled roofs.  Inside however, bleakness and austerity was what the Poor Law Commissioners were interested in, to discourage any but the really destitute to enter its doors.  This is in total contrast to its use today.  The building houses the studios of seven designers and is a hive of creative, diverse and enthusiastic energy (with not a female idiot in sight!).