€132K investment programme boost for Civic Theatre

€132K investment programme boost for Civic Theatre

By Mary Dennehy

THE Civic Theatre deserves a standing ovation this week, after the local performance space secured a grant worth more than €132,000 through a competitive, nationwide arts and culture investment programme.

A total of 56 cultural organisations nationwide will benefit from funding announced as part of the Government’s Creative Ireland programme, a five year initiative which “places creativity at the centre of public policy”.

Civic Theatre 1 23022017

A sum of €9million in capital grant funding was made available as part of the Creative Ireland programme, which, after a competitive and lengthy process, has been awarded to 59 cultural projects – including the Civic Theatre, Tallaght.

The local theatre has been successful in its grant application for €132,280, which will be used to upgrade the 18-year-old building, including its main auditorium, seating, technical capabilities and reception area.

Michael Barker-Caven, Artistic Director with the Civic, told The Echo: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this funding as part of the Government’s Creative Ireland programme, it was a very competitive process.

“It’s a real sign of the important work that goes on here at the Civic and is in line with new challenges set out which aim to make theatre more accessible, more enjoyable and more cutting edge.”

He added: “The theatre is not far off 20 years and times have changed.

“We would like to upgrade our main auditorium and improve it with new seating, which would allow us to use the space differently depending on the production.

“There has also been a lot of technical advances in the past 20 years, so we are also planning to upgrade technical aspects of the theatre, such as lighting.

“We are also hoping to develop the foyer and box office area to make them more user friendly and engaging for people when they come into the theatre.

“It’s all about making the building more attractive and comfortable for visitors and every Euro granted will go towards the building and enhancing the visitor experience.”

Speaking on the funding allocation, the Minister for the Arts, Heritage, Regional, rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD said: “This €9 million announcement is the most significant investment in regional arts and cultural centres in a decade.

“The Creative Ireland Programme places a focus on investing in our cultural infrastructure, because high quality infrastructure is critical for a vibrant arts and culture sector, which in turn underpins social cohesion and supports sustainable economic growth.”

For details on the Civic Theatre and its programme of events, visit www.civictheatre.ie

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