 A case is being prepared by the Birr 2020 Courthouse group, in collaboration with OCC, to apply for a major grant to turn the Courthouse into an art hub for professional artists working in different media such as visual arts, film, animation, theatre, music, crafts. The Creative Court is intended as a sister building to Birr Theatre & Arts Centre. Ownership of the Courthouse has transferred from the Department of Justice to Offaly County Council and OCC has already spent €200,000 on repairs to the fabric of the building to prevent further deterioration. The hub will be supported by a business plan that is currently under preparation. This includes a 10- 15 year commitment from the Trench Trust to support the OFFline Animation Residencies, which it has supported for the past 5 years.
 We are looking for expressions of interest from local and not so local practitioners and community groups who would like to be kept informed about the development and would have an interest in using it.