Rua Red receive funding boost of €19,346 to develop facilities

RUA Red South Dublin Arts Centre in Tallaght has received a boost of €19,346 to upgrade and develop their facilities under an overall €4.7m capital investment scheme in artistic and cultural institutions across the country.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, announced the capital grants of almost €540,000 for 25 arts and culture organisations on Friday.

This funding is provided under Stream A of the Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022, which offers grants of up to €50,000.

It is part of an overall €4.7m capital investment scheme in artistic and cultural institutions around the country.

The funding is being made available under the National Development Plan, Project Ireland 2040. Investing in our Culture, Language & Heritage 2018-2027 sets out the Government’s objectives for capital investment in Ireland’s culture, language and heritage.

Speaking at the funding announcement, Minister Martin said: “I am delighted to be in a position to award this funding to these organisations for the necessary upgrading of their facilities.

“This capital scheme prioritises projects that reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint. This is in line with the Government’s action on climate change, and it is encouraging to know that the funding for some of these projects will make a real and positive impact on the environment.

“Projects that provide additional capacity for artists and artistic production, particularly in arts centres, were also favoured. This investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries, museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces, aims to improve the audience and creative experience.”

Minister Martin went on to say that this funding package will ensure past investment in these arts and cultural centres is protected and sustained. The Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 aims to enhance the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country.

In addition to Rua Red, six Dublin-based organisations received funding, including The Mill Theatre in Dundrum, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Human Rights in North Dublin City Centre and Dublin International Film Festival.