HAWK’S WELL GETS MAJOR € 550K BOOST FOR REVAMP
Sligo’s main theatre will use funds to transform its building into a state- of- the- art creative hub
THE Hawk’s Well Theatre is celebrating a ¤ 500million funding boost from the Government which it says will “transform” the premises into a major artistic hub in the North West.
The money will allow the theatre to upgrade into a stunning arts centre, providing a visitor experience that is lively, accessible, authentic and interactive.
The existing theatre’s entrance and foyer space will be renovated to create an accessible and inviting building for one and all; An upgrade of the auditorium will bring it in line with modern day theatre standards. Implementation of essential flood prevention measures will also ‘ water- proof ’ the auditorium which is built above a well.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Hubert Keaney welcomed the news: “It will enable the Hawk’s Well Board deliver on their ambitious development programme; In a wider context this investment enhances Sligo’s status as the cultural hub of the northwest.”
THE Hawk’s Well Theatre has been successful in securing € 550,000 in capital funding. The news was announced by The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, yesterday ( Monday).
Marie O’Byrne, Director of the Hawk’s Well responded to this news by saying: “We are absolutely over the moon to receive word of capital funding from the Department of Arts this morning. We need this investment so much at this point in the 35 year history of the theatre to make the theatre accessible for all and to give our audiences a more comfortable experience when they visit.
“The project costs anticipated come to € 1.1million and so this funding makes up 50%. We will be match- funding the remainder through a mix of funding from Sligo County Council, BIDs and our own fund- raising efforts. We are really grateful for the ongoing support Sligo County Council, local councillors and businesses continue to give us. We will also be putting a development fee of € 1 on tickets for shows from May onwards in order to raise the essential funds required.”
The plan to renew and regenerate the theatre will ensure its future for many years to come. The proposed improvements and redevelopment at the site will transform the theatre into a stunning arts centre, providing a visitor experience that is lively, accessible, authentic and interactive. It will have the potential to transform the theatre into an artist hub in the North West and will be a major attractor of visitors to Sligo, creating a coherent experience that is innovative, authentic and transformative.
It will help to strengthen the region’s strategic positioning in Irish tourism markets and will highlight the wealth of the arts and cultural activity in the county. Key elements of the project that underpin this vision are: A landmark renovation of the existing theatre’s entrance and foyer space to create an accessible and inviting building for one and all; An upgrade of the au- ditorium to bring it in line with modern day theatre standards; Implementation of essential flood prevention measures.
The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Hubert Keaney welcomed the news: “It will enable the Hawk’s Well Board deliver on their ambitious development programme; In a wider context this investment enhances Sligo’s status as the cultural hub of the north- west.”
Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes said: “The investment is excellent news for people associated with theatre and the arts in Sligo. The Hawk’s Well Theatre enjoys a special place in our community and I would like to commend the people who prepared the funding submission.”
The Dock, Carrick- on- Shannon was allocated € 128,500 and the North Leitrim Glens Centre will receive € 50,000. Deputy Tony McLoughlin said:“This funding is testament to the hard work of these theatres’ boards and the staff who made the successful application and who run the theatres on a daily basis. Creative Ireland, the Government’s ambitious new 5 year strategy, aims to place culture and creativity at the heart of every community nationwide.”