Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge to receive sizeable cash injection in the new year

The Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge could be about to get a sizeable revamp in the new year after it was announced that there will be €80,000 worth of funding pumped into the venue.

The centre, which can seat 180 people in its theatre and also has gallery and workshop spaces, is owned by the local authority since it opened in 2001. Many of its projects are geared towards children and there is plenty of local involvement with the venue that puts on arts programmes throughout the year.

Arts Council Director Orlaith McBride said: “In our investment approach, we have focused in particular on broadening the reach of the arts in Ireland. We will work with a range of partners, in local, community, educational, youth and other settings, to ensure that people experience the best of the arts over the next 12 months.”

Today’s announcement forms part of the Arts Council’s planned investment of €65.1 million for 2017, which will see people across Ireland engage with the arts in exciting and innovative ways. The investment represents an increase of €5 million, or 8.6%, on the 2016 amount.

Local authorities, individual artists, particularly emerging artists, work for children and young people, local authorities and community-based arts practices are a particular focus of the Arts Council’s strategy, Making Great Art Work and have therefore received significant increases in investment.

Arts Council Chair Sheila Pratschke said: “Our grant from Government for 2017 is €65.1 million, which is €5 million more than 2016. Our strategy prioritises the artist and public engagement, and our decisions for 2017 focus on small festivals, individual and emerging artists, community-based practice and work with and for children and young people. This means more great work will be made by artists and arts organisations for people in every part of the country.”