Aengus Hackett

This is so upsetting, disappointing and downright infuriating. Our economy is supposedly doing great and surplus money is flying around in billions.
And a small few million couldn't be found to save a lifeline for our capital city's arts scene. I guarantee this will result in more unemployment, more frustrated artists leaving the sector and emigrating.
It is an utter failure on the part of our government to allow this to happen after such a consolidated movement to save it.
Shame on you FFFG..

The Complex will close following the failure of Government and Dublin City Council to secure a viable resolution for an arts organization that has operated continuously in the north west inner city for 18 years.

During that time, The Complex developed into a nationally and internationally recognised centre for contemporary Irish arts, supporting hundreds of artists, freelancers, technicians, designers, producers, and staff, and providing sustained cultural infrastructure in an area of the city with limited access to the arts.

Despite prolonged engagement and repeated assurances, no workable solution was delivered. The loss of The Complex represents a failure of cultural policy, accountability, and long-term planning within the public system. 

Our efforts have also been frustrated by an inflexible landlord, focused exclusively on achieving vacant possession, to maximize the redevelopment value of the site.

This outcome stands in direct contradiction to stated commitments to support Irish arts, cultural employment, and equitable access to cultural life in Dublin.

Best wishes,
Vanessa Fielding
Artistic Director/CEO

Looking forward to a couple of really nice gigs this weekend!
Performing tomorrow at Night and Day Festival with That's Life gamelan project In Flow.
And on Sunday I'll be in Campbell's Tavern for the wonderful Summer Sunday Sessions, jazz trio with John O'Dwyer and Brendan Jones

I am excited to be going on tour this week in Northern Ireland!
Performing the wonderful songs of Joni Mitchell in Belfast, Derry and Gweedore, Co. Donegal with Suzanne Savage, Johnny Taylor and Rod Patterson.
Tickets and more info. from Music Capital

We had an absolute blast performing yesterday at Bray Jazz Festival! Great appreciative audience and it was wonderful to see plenty of young kids and adults there too! Very generous words here about , thanks Philip Watson Words

"Flying multi-coloured musical flags for Ireland..(trio) featuring the first-call rhythm section of Derek Whyte on bass and Matthew Jacobson on drums..led by the engaging and ever-inventive Galway guitarist Aengus Hackett"

Thanks to Dublin Jazz Photography for the cool photo too!

Derek Whyte Matthew Jacobson The Harbour Bar