The Irish Government has announced €3 million in capital funding for the Irish Arts Centre (IAC) in New York to support the completion of its redevelopment project. Of this, €2.5 million comes from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, while €500,000 is provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The funding will enable the delivery of a state-of-the-art facility designed for the 21st century, allowing the IAC to showcase a new generation of Irish artists and expand its cultural programming.
Minister Patrick O’Donovan highlighted that the funding will support phase two of the IAC redevelopment, converting the original 51st Street space into a second, intimate venue for emerging and early-career Irish artists. Tánaiste Simon Harris emphasized the Government’s commitment to the Irish community in New York and the promotion of Irish culture abroad as part of the Global Ireland 2025 Strategy.
Founded in 1972 and based in Hell’s Kitchen, the Irish Arts Centre provides a platform for artists and audiences to engage with contemporary Irish and Irish-American arts. The centre presents, develops, and celebrates work from both established and emerging artists across a variety of disciplines, fostering cultural exchange and creative expression.
Aidan Connolly, Executive Director of the IAC, noted that the second phase of redevelopment will create a flexible, intimate space to support Irish artists across a range of backgrounds and practices for generations to come. Phase one of the project delivered a large theatre, library, studio, and function spaces, while phase two will enhance the original 51st Street venue.
The total capital budget for both phases is $97.7 million (€83.6 million), with prior funding including $15 million from the Irish Government, $20.35 million from New York City, $5.39 million from New York State, and more than $57 million raised privately since phase one began in 2010. The completed arts centre will help Irish artists build long-term audiences in the U.S. and create opportunities for the wider Irish cultural sector and creative industries.
Minister Patrick O’Donovan also highlighted the ongoing relationship between the IAC and Culture Ireland, noting that the department provided over €680,000 in funding for the IAC’s artistic programming this year. Tánaiste Simon Harris added that the redevelopment demonstrates the strong partnership between Ireland, New York City, and New York State, creating a permanent platform for the Irish diaspora and its artists in one of the world’s leading cultural capitals.
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