The Good Hatchery was originally founded in 2007 by a group of 5 graduates from Irelands National College of Art and Design (NCAD) as a response to the economic and other obstacles facing emerging artists during the boom years of the Celtic tiger.

The building that houses the Good Hatchery was found in 2006 an online recycling network. In July 2007 five artists began the process of renovating the space into a residential studio. All materials for the work were obtained for free through recycling and salvaging systems. By November the space was habitable and could accommodate art and music making.

The Good Hatchery is an experimental project that sets out to challenge the accepted norms for the production and presentation of contemporary art in Ireland today. They are committed to the support of artists in the production of high quality progressive art works. They promote an ethos of DIY and sustainability that takes advantage the spread of information and online learning opportunities enabled by our global age.

To this end, the Good Hatchery operates an ongoing series of residencies and projects throughout the year. Through invitation and open call, artists and other cultural practitioners from Ireland and abroad are selected to be involved in the Good Hatcherys curatorial programme. In addition to this, unsolicited proposals for residencies and on site projects are accepted from individuals and groups. The Good Hatchery offers all of its its facilities free of charge to successful applicants. All participants in briefed and un-briefed projects are chosen by the administrators and board of members. They are particularly interested in unusual and experimental projects and in collaborative group proposals.