Minister says investing in arts not an optional extra

“GOBSMACKED” WAS how Martin Cullen described his reaction on seeing the new arts centre in Carlow at the weekend.

The Minister for Arts formally opened the €18 million Visual Centre for Contemporary Arts and George Bernard Shaw Theatre on Saturday, describing it as a “wonderful addition to the country’s cultural infrastructure” and a “fantastic building which represents what is best and brightest about this great country of ours”.

He said “investing in the arts is not an optional extra” despite the economic downturn because much of Ireland’s foreign direct investment could be attributed to the global “respect” for Irish culture.

Referring to the forthcoming budget, the Minister said members of the arts community were prepared to take their “share of the pain” but, in framing the budget, the Government had to be “careful not to undermine the productive side of the economy”.

He said there had been “a substantial and massive increase in the last few years in the arts budget” so “there is some room to make some adjustments”.

But he pointed out that “the cultural and creative sector is one of the most dynamic areas of our economy, with a total economic impact last year of €11.8 billion”.

Mr Cullen unveiled a plaque to formally open the Visual arts centre, which contains four “world-class” galleries for displaying contemporary art exhibitions and a 353-seat theatre.

Mary White, a local TD and Green Party deputy leader, said the building was of such quality “it could be [in] New York or Berlin”.

Officials in Carlow hope the venue will provide an economic boost and attract visitors from Ireland and overseas.

Des Hurley, cathaoirleach of Carlow Town Council, said: “This signature building will enrich the lives of all who live in our town and county and will copperfasten Carlow’s place on the national cultural tourism map.”

The centre will be managed by director Carissa Farrell, who previously worked at the Draíocht arts centre in Blanchardstown and at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

The centre was funded by Carlow local authorities, the Department of Arts, and from the proceeds of properties bequeathed to the town by the Nobel prize-winning playwright, George Bernard Shaw, in the 1940s.

It is located in the grounds of St Patrick’s College, a former Catholic seminary, and was designed by London-based architect Terry Pawson following a public competition organised by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.

The Catholic Church donated the site to the town.