Picture Credit: Brian Farrell for Roscommon Arts Centre
Roscommon Arts Centre is set to receive capital funding of €276,615 as part of more than €9 million in capital funding for arts and culture centres across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys as part of the Creative Ireland programme. A total of 56 cultural organisations will benefit from the Government’s capital investment, including theatres, heritage centres, galleries, archives, integrated arts centres, artist studios and creative and performance spaces.
The funding is on top of the Arts Council allocation of €68,000 announced in November.
In confirming the news Local Minister Denis Naughten said that the Creative Ireland Programme places a focus on investing in our cultural infrastructure.
“I am delighted Roscommon Arts Centre has received such a substantial level of funding to ensure the whole centre is wheelchair accessible and improvements made to its visitor centre. I also welcome the allocation of €50,000 to Glenamaddy Arts & Historical Co-Op Society Lt for much need maintenance work. The main objective of these capital grants is to maintain and enhance these centres which hold a special place in our community.”
“A vibrant cultural sector is essential to society and investment in local arts and cultural centres helps to facilitate access to and participation in the arts in communities across the region,” added Naughten.
“A further allocation of funding under this Scheme will be announced in the coming weeks. It will be geared towards providing smaller capital grants of up to €20,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and cultural remit. This funding will make a huge difference to individual groups and organisations involved,” concluded Minister Naughten.
Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed the news, adding that the allocation will be used to improve the facility for visitors and wheelchair users.
Glenamaddy Arts & Historical Co-Op Society allocation of €50,000 will be used to assist with construction and maintenance of its building along with fixtures and fittings.
Commenting on the funding Frank Feighan said “This funding is provided under the Department’s Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 and will come as a very welcome announcement to artists and audiences who use both facilities. This funding injection for both of these local facilities will help to grow local audiences and attract further people into Roscommon and Glenamaddy.
“More than 85% of the national funding announced is being provided to projects outside of Dublin. Putting arts and culture at the centre of rural life is a key element of the recently launched Action Plan for Rural Development.”
Seanad Government Spokesperson for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Senator Maura Hopkins stated that she is “delighted” that Roscommon Arts Centre has been successful in securing funding.
Commenting on the news Senator Hopkins said “the Roscommon Arts Centre is a very important space for music, dance, theatre and art. It provides an important platform for both community groups and professional artists. The launch of the Roscommon Drama Festival this Thursday night along with a full programme of drama in early March really highlights the vibrancy of the Centre”.
Senator Hopkins concluded that “as a speech and drama teacher, I know the value of encouraging creativity amongst young people and giving them a place to access an audience. Local facilities like the Roscommon Arts Centre and Glenamaddy are often the birthplace of many successful artists.”
In welcoming the Roscommon Arts Centre funding Michael Fitzmaurice TD said
“The Centre has been a major part of the life of the community in the county town and throughout the county and it is a focus for theatre, dance, music and the other arts for many years past.”