Block T

I love Block T. It seems to be one of the few places that has managed to not only get through the rise of property prices, and the up-​and-​out that’s affected amazing creative hubs like Moxy and Mabos, but thrive through it. They seem to have a good business model and it works.
Things you can find here —
— Occasional markets where independent crafters will be selling their high quality & unique goods
— Hot desks where you can work with lots of other creative people, and use the Block T facilities for as little as 70 euro per week
— Visual art exhibitions & gigs
— Courses on some really cool stuff like screen printing, digital photography, etc.
They also have a mini café /​barista type area which does delish sambos and cakes. Can’t comment on the coffee as I’m not a coffee drinker, but it looks like good stuff!

BLOCK T– at Smithfield is the hottest new venue in Dublin.
The old chinese market has now been stripped down to its bare bones and is being used to house all manner of arty events including exhibitions, gigs and poetry readings. It’s usually 10 Euros in — with all proceeds going back into the building.
Last Friday night, my companion and I followed the sounds of skuzzy pysch rock wafting down the concrete steps and into the muggy night air. We found ourselves in a stripped down industrial space housing the soundz of the underground.
It was a Skinny Wolves night and one of Dublin’s finest, Twinkranes rocked our socks off followed by New Yawkers, Silk Flowers.
The venue itself is a testament to creative spirit kicking against the recession. The space itself is stark and there are no fixtures to speak of, just some acid blue and red strip lights. There are basic toilets upstairs (complete with bin-​liners gaffer taped to the walls sufficing as bins) and a smoking area down the steps out the back where the craic is mighty.
As you swig outta your bottle of vino (did I mention it’s BYOB) and dance amidst the sweaty masses you realize this is all you need for a good night out — some good music, good people, a laid back vibe. IMO it’s a much better option than paying 15 Euros for a cocktail in some celtic tiger slick n’ soulless bar.
Viva le Block T.

Heading to my favourite pub in the city yesterday, Dice bar for a cheeky after work pint and I bumped into Joe the manager covered in paint walking out.
«Annie darling!»
I got a big smacker on the cheek. He is such a charmer.
«What’s the story Joe? Is this what the kids are wearing these days?!»
«Nah! Come over after your pint to Block T, it’s a new space that will open this weekend.»
«Sweet. Will do.»
And I did. It used to be the old Chinese market and it’s a beast of a building. I was there a few weeks ago for the end of year art exhibit of the NCAD students (National College of Art & Design). Three stories of space, reminds me a lot of the work share spaces in Berlin.
Basically what Joe and a group of progressive Dublin based folks are doing is turning it into a work space for artists. There are loads of rooms for them. But for me the best part is the level that will be used for live gigs, think Chemical Brothers Block Rockin’ Beats video — it’s going to be massive!
At the moment it is very much work in progress but the potential is amazing especially for artists and musicians in the city. Oh and did I mention it’s a BYOB space?!
What else, fundraiser this Saturday which I posted in events. 10 squid to go and support something truly fantastic for the city. At last people bringing some much needed positivity to the city and using up the empty space — support!