Green light for Ben Dunne's art gallery
Friday November 16 2007
Former supermarket chief, Ben Dunne, has got the green light for his plans to diversify into the art gallery business, near the posh Dublin southside suburb of Terenure.
Bord Pleanala has agreed to allow him to convert a sports hall at his Carlisle health centre at Kimmage Road West, in Dublin 12.
Shake up
Mr Dunne has already signalled that he intends to shake up the "closed shop" of the Irish art world by charging artists just 25pc commission to exhibit in his gallery, which will be the first in a new chain.
He also hopes to open further galleries in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast.
Increased competition
Other gallery owners are expected to tighten their belts, especially those who can command huge sums by selling quite average works at exorbitant prices simply because of their prestigous city centre locations.
Mr Dunne's sharp business ethic, therefore, is certain to bring much needed competition in an area which, although burgeoning in recent years, remains cartel-like in how it operates.
- Donal Buckley
