The Complex is a vibrant arts venue on Arran St East Dublin 1. Owners of the property gave notice to quit last week. Everyone is to be out by the 14th of January 2026. The Complex contributes greatly to the cultural life of the inner city in Dublin and livelihood of artists living nearby. Last nights packed meeting was an opportunity to for thise community to organise a response to the threatened closure.
The Complex can still be saved if the Department of Finance commits to the primary tranche of the funding towards its purchase. The first hour of the meeting involved 20 speeches of three minutes by selected speakers. The second hour was open to the floor.
People Before Profit had a strong attendance at the event, with Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, musician and chosen representative for the Dublin Central by-election, being one of the selected speakers. He spoke about his involvement with the Dublin is Dying campaign which protected The Cobblestone pub and music venue. Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin suggested an all-out protest.
Other speakers included studio artists Alison Pilkington, George Hooker, and Isabel Nolan, who is representing Ireland at the 2026 Venice Biennale, and various members of Dublin City Council, as well as Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil politicians.
The protest will take place on the 17th of December at 12.15 pm and march from The Complex to the Dáil to put pressure on the central government to save this iconic venue. This action is part of a three-day public marathon in The Complex from the 17th-19th with performances from an array of well-known artists.
Note:
Banner-making workshop in the depot space from 4-7pm on Monday 15 Dec. All welcome. Bring own materials.
Full meeting uploaded to YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/h9mwAIfTwJM?si=dbUQwcgM5NbHwz_Q