D-Light Studios is Fighting for Survival
Donation protected
In March 2025, DCC forcibly changed the locks.
Dublin lost yet another vibrant cultural hub - a creative team running a sustainable social enterprise that, for over 15 years, provided a home for artists, inspired the community, and brought people together. Jobs were lost, and a thriving organisation was left in debt.
This space - a vital part of the city’s cultural fabric - was dismantled by those who should have protected it. D-Light (D-LS) received no renovation timeline, alternative space, storage, compensation, or lease.
For many years, D-LS was engaging with DCC in lease discussions, flagged necessary fire safety upgrades, and proposed redevelopment plans - approved by city architects and planners and included in DCC’s European funding application. Meanwhile, D-LS partnered with NEIC and DCC on artist residencies and cultural programs.
In 2023, DCC broke negotiations and citing fire safety concerns, DCC indefinitely halted D-LS’s activities. DCC rejected D-LS’s offer to fund necessary upgrades - work that would have taken just 6-7 weeks - insisting instead on full control and a years-long procurement process.
Throughout negotiations, D-LS asked DCC to discuss a renovation timeline and lease terms. DCC made only one offer: vacate entirely, cancel the cultural program, remove tenants, and clear all belongings - only then would they consider scheduling renovations. No timeline was provided, and only the ground floor would be upgraded, leaving the rest of the building vacant.
Despite D-LS’s rights, DCC refused to discuss a long-term lease, instead proposing a three-year license - negotiable only after D-LS vacates the building, surrenders its rights, and renovations and procurement are completed. During this period, D-LS would have to refit the building and run its cultural program without financial support. A longer lease would only be considered if D-LS again proved its governance, funding, and cultural impact - disregarding its 15-year legacy.
Thousands signed a petition. Dozens of letters of support were sent. Multiple politicians intervened. Yet, DCC remained unmoved, disregarding the very people it is meant to serve and support.
For those who never visited D-Light - or wish to revisit it - we've prepared a video tour. Our founder, Agata Stoinska, walks you through the space, sharing its story. The full video is 40 minutes, but even a short watch will give you a glimpse of this unique place.
We want to thank EVERYONE who has been part of D-Light’s journey:
- To the countless friends who helped with renovations and events.
- To our dedicated team, managers, studio assistants, and volunteers.
- To our supportive board members who always believed in us.
- To our invaluable mentors.
- To our housemates, who made D-Light feel like home.
- To the talented artists who embraced our vision with their creativity.
- To our loyal clients, who recognised the magic of this space.
- To all facilitators and audiences who brought it to life.
- And finally, to our creative and local community - your unwavering support, messages, calls, and visits reminded us that we were never alone.
Thank you to EVERYONE who has supported us by signing our petition, sending letters of support to DCC, purchasing studio furniture, art and other item though our Auction page and Adverts page, buying copies of our BLOW Photo Magazine or donating to our GoFundMe campaign.
We may have lost with those in power, but we remain incredibly proud of everything we achieved over the years and grateful for the encounters and moments that made this challenging project so worthwhile.
Agata, Stacey and the D-Light Team
Organizer
Agata Stoinska
Organizer