IT Sligo continues support for theatre’s renovation project
IT Sligo and Hawk’s Well Theatre are entering into year two of their partnership, with the third level institution continuing to support the theatre’s renovation plans. IT Sligo became a Platinum Renovation Patron of the theatre in 2019. Renovating the Hawk’s Well is an unprecedented opportunity to develop and secure the theatre for generations to come.
As part of the agreed partnership, the Hawk’s Well Theatre will continue to collaborate with IT Sligo’s Creative Practice programmes, working closely with the its newly created Yeats Academy of Arts, Design & Architecture ( YAADA) department.
President of IT Sligo, Dr Brendan McCormack said the partnership is part of the Institutes ongoing commitment in engaging with external partners in the creative sector;
“IT Sligo has outlined the importance of shaping and influencing economic, social and cultural development in the Northwest through its Strategic Plan. This region is rich in cultural heritage and the arts and we are delighted to partner with the Hawk’s Well Theatre which will enrich our students experience and greatly contribute to the arts in Sligo, especially at this extraordinary time.”
The team at the theatre are currently fundraising to renovate the building which is in dire need of capital investment due to physical and technical challenges. Major renovations and improvements are planned at an estimated cost of €1.27 million. These plans include:
- A landmark rebuild of the theatre’s entrance and foyer space.
- Essential flood prevention measures to alleviate flooding in the auditorium.
- Installation of a lift to improve accessibility.
- Much needed seating upgrades in the auditorium.
- Long awaited hearing assistance system. - Essential backstage and equipment upgrades. The theatre has secured two major capital grants, €550,000 from the Department of Arts and €78,278 from Sligo LEADER Partnership. Each grant stipulates that the theatre is required to provide match funding in order to access the funds. To date €300,000 had been fundraised by the theatre. €125,000 in funding has also been pledged from Sligo County Council.
The Hawk’s Well is fully committed to completing its capital works programme at the Theatre and had been making good progress prior to the shut-down.
Jane Parsons, Fundraising and Development Manager at the theatre commented: “Due to the great generosity of our donors and patrons, we were on target with our fundraising efforts and close to awarding the contract for the design team having gone through the public e-Tender process.
“We were excited about entering the next stage of this ambitious project and being able to share our vision of the renovated building through the architects designs.
“However, having consulted with the Office of Government Procurement we have been advised not to complete the procurement process and award the tender until restrictions have been lifted and the design team can safely access the building.
“We remain hopeful that this may happen relatively soon and we can continue with this exciting project, creating a wonderfully renovated theatre for us all to enjoy in the future.”