Dublin-based aparthotel operator Staycity Group has launched an open call inviting Dublin’s cultural and creative community to reimagine a significant new space at its aparthotel on Francis Street, Dublin 8.
The white-boxed 353m² ground-floor venue – located on the historic site of the former Tivoli Theatre – is being offered by Staycity at heavily subsidised rent (to be agreed with the selected occupant) to not-for-profit groups, collectives, arts organisations and community-focused practitioners for a three-year residency creating a unique opportunity for artists to shape an ambitious cultural hub in the heart of the city.
Potential to become a dynamic cultural platform
Located in the centre of The Liberties, an area long associated with creativity, craft and strong local identity, the Tivoli space has the potential to become a dynamic platform for contemporary cultural activity. The offer may also extend to the adjacent external courtyard, opening possibilities for outdoor performances, markets, gatherings and public events.
“The Tivoli space on Francis Street offers a unique opportunity for artists, cultural practitioners and community-focused groups to help define a new cultural landmark in the heart of The Liberties,” said Staycity Group CEO and founder Tom Walsh.
“We’re proud of our Dublin heritage and very conscious of Tivoli’s historic role as a cultural and community touchpoint.”
-TOM WALSH, STAYCITY GROUP CEO
The fully accessible venue is move-in ready and includes own-door access, office with kitchenette, toilets, and sound baffling to prevent noise transfer. Additional storage and loading facilities are provided, and the space can accommodate up to 200 visitors. Operating hours can run from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.
Bold proposals are encouraged
Bold, imaginative proposals that activate the space in meaningful ways are encouraged – from rehearsal and performance to exhibition, public programming, markets and hybrid creative uses.
“We’re deliberately keeping the brief open,” Walsh added. “We would like to see ambitious thinking – proposals that create, experiment, rehearse, exhibit, present and perform, while welcoming diverse audiences into the space. Our hope is that the Tivoli space becomes a vibrant focal point and a fresh model of cultural infrastructure rooted in collaboration, innovation and community connection.”
Applications are invited from eligible groups by 17 May 2026. A two-stage selection process, assessed by an internal and independent external panel, will conclude by the end of June.
Staycity remains firmly rooted in Dublin
Founded in Dublin’s Temple Bar in 2004 by brothers Tom and Ger Walsh, Staycity Group has grown into a major European aparthotel operator with 6,400 aparthotel rooms in 39 aparthotels across 20 vibrant cities, appealing to both business and leisure travellers from across the globe. The group, however, remains firmly rooted in Dublin, with its headquarters in Dublin 8, employing over 140 people.
It’s European aparthotels operate under the Staycity Aparthotels and Wilde brands and feature studios, one-bed, two-bed and three-bed apartments sleeping up to seven people. The design-led apartments have fully equipped kitchens with plenty of space to cook, eat, work and relax. All properties have a 24-hour reception with most having a guest lounge, café, bar, laundry room, gym and parking with some having a full-service restaurant.
Current locations across the Staycity and Wilde brands include Berlin, Birmingham, Bordeaux, Cambridge, Dresden, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Leipzig, Lisbon, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Marseille, Paris, Venice and Vienna, with more exciting cities in the pipeline.
Tom Walsh says this latest initiative is a reflection of Staycity’s local Dublin roots and the Tivoli site’s long cultural legacy.
“We’re proud of our Dublin heritage and very conscious of Tivoli’s historic role as a cultural and community touchpoint,” Walsh said. “We’re excited to see the creative responses this open call will inspire.” staycity.com
Application details can be viewed here: https://www.staycity.com/tivoli-space-open-call
