Creative community reacts to the closure of cultural hub The Bernard Shaw

The closure of The Bernard Shaw to make way for a hotel has sparked anger and disappointment with the creative community on Twitter.

The Bernard Shaw

Ireland’s creative community has been reacting to the news that the Bernard Shaw on South Richmond Street will close at the end of October after 13 years.

The pub along with the Eatyard food venue next door is run by Bodytonic and is a cultural institution in Dublin, creating a dynamic space in the city centre for club nights, DJs and artists.

Designer Johnny Brennan started a petition to An Bord Pleanala 4 months ago when it was announced that there were plans to construct a hotel on the site.

While announcing the closure, The Bernard Shaw said this is not the end:

“Dublin is changing, we can all see and feel it, but we are going nowhere & we won’t go down without a fight. We’ll start something else, somewhere else [ plans are afoot ] , and keep fighting the good fight. There are so many young creative, clever, smart people in Dublin & Ireland at the moment – there’s lots to be optimistic about – but they need the spaces to meet each other, make plans, and make them happen!”

Many have expressed their anger and disappointment at yet another venue closing its doors.

Twitter user Cathal Curry pointed the number of culturally essential venues which have closed in the past 24 months include Tivoli Theater, Hangar, The Bernard Shaw and The Big Tree with hotels and “posh student flats no one can afford” the only openings within the same timeframe.

Rubber Bandits tweeted saying investment is needed in other counties:

“They’re closing The Bernard Shaw? Are you fucking serious ? where is left for Dublin pints and daycent tunes with like minded people?

“Limerick needs a fucking hostel too. Because in fairness we’ve a lovely creative scene with class places like Pharmacia and Costelloes for all ages but Dublin people want to come down for craic without sleeping on couches”

@FeliSpeaks said:

“I just want to know what they are trying to gain from closing The Bernard Shaw. Wtf is the reason because it is definitely being packed out at least once a week. Keep closing down buildings that house the local arts. Keep going. Very fucking well done.”

https://twitter.com/FeliSpeaks/status/1171366110962356225?s=20

Una Mullally spoke about how The Shaw “is/was a vital organ in Dublin’s cultural and creative anatomy”

The Bernard Shaw is/was a vital organ in Dublin’s cultural and creative anatomy, which is so swiftly expiring. The sanitisation of the city and the demented smoothing of all its edges is a type of violence that is irreparably scarring this city.

https://twitter.com/UnaMullally/status/1171119619165347842?s=20

Hen’s Teeth, who are fundraising to create a cultural hub in Dublin, shared their disappointment:

“Gutted. It’s hard to overstate how important you guys have been for the creative community since 2006. Big love x”

Many others shared their fond memories of The Bernard Shaw, from first dates to celebrating the Repeal victory, it has been a cornerstone of Irish culture and society.

https://twitter.com/PadraigKilkenny/status/1000120812941332481?s=20

https://twitter.com/davidmacuidhir/status/1171187009806839808?s=20

© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.

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