On 10 June, 2025 the Clonakilty Community Arts Centre (CCAC) was given 4 months notice to vacate 2 Asna Square, where it has been situated for the last 12 years. We are now calling upon Cork County Council to grant 'meanwhile use' of the old fire station and No. 8 Kent St to CCAC, so that it may continue its services to the community whilst a long-term solution is found. 

The Story: In November 2024 CCAC was advised that 2 Asna Square was going up for sale. The Board immediately contacted local elected representatives and TDs, who lobbied Cork County Council on CCAC's behalf, unfortunately to little tangible effect. Since March CCAC has been instrumental in the formation of a coalition of 11 organisations, calling with one voice, through the Kent St public consultation, for a new cultural centre on Kent St. In spite of broad support across the community, a mandate for cultural use of the buildings, and the backing of elected representatives, CCAC is still waiting on a decision on meanwhile use from the council. Meanwhile, the arts centre has run out of time. We are calling on Cork County Council to come to the party and do something positive for the town. Please help us save our arts centre and add your name to the petition.

CCAC was founded in 2012 by a group of volunteers who envisioned a supportive network of artists in the West Cork area and a friendly environment in which for them to work, meet and exhibit. The space the group secured comprised the first and second floors above what was then Boyle Sports, next door to "The Lucky House" at 2 Asna Square. The group received the Spirit of Clonakilty award in 2013 and soon after hosted an exhibition for the visit of President Micheal D Higgins. In 2014 CCAC formalised itself as a company limited by guarantee, with a board of directors.

Twelve years later, CCAC is still going strong. It is run by a dedicated team of CE Scheme staff and volunteers, under the direction of the Board. With clear objectives and systems in place, the centre hosts 12 exhibitions per year, facilitates special events, including spoken word and music, provides studio space for artists, writers and musicians, runs a shared studio access scheme for non-permanent studio members and groups, enables artists to facilitate classes and workshops, facilitates school visits and is involved in the creative life of Clonakilty and the larger West Cork area. In all 90 students come through the centre every week, 60 of whom are children and teens, and 50 artists per year exhibit within the arts centre gallery. CCAC is a vital cultural hub in the town and we need your support  to relocate it to a permanent council owned building. Please sign the petition.