Carlow VISUAL  Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre Opened – 26 September 2009
 

The new VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, located on the grounds of Carlow College was opened on the 26th of September 2009. The arts venue comprises a main link gallery that acts as a central hub, off which other art gallery spaces extend and a 353-seat performing arts theatre suitable for music, dance and drama in addition to film screenings, literary readings and other events. The theatre will also be the home venue for a number of Carlow based arts groups who will use it for workshops, rehearsals and presentation of work.

The project received funding of €3.17 million under the National Development Plan’s ACESSS Programme.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Martin Cullen said: "I am delighted to be here in Carlow to mark the official opening of the VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre. This centre is a wonderful addition to the country’s cultural infrastructure. This new building with its magnificent main theatre and four principal gallery spaces provides new high quality facilities for both artists and public alike. What has been achieved here in the grounds of Saint Patrick's College will provide a cultural focus not just for Carlow, but also for the surrounding hinterland and for the country. I congratulate Carlow College, who generously donated the site, the Carlow County and Town Councils, the Carlow arts community and the people of Carlow on their achievement.”

The Minister added: “Carlow now has a fantastic space to welcome exhibitions of local, national and international standing. It now has a suitable venue for both the Visualise Carlow and Éigse arts festival events, which we acknowledge as the starting points for today's achievement. The new George Bernard Shaw Theatre will be a home for the performing arts, professional and amateur, local and national. It is important to foster the creativity and artistic ability of all our people. New centres like this one make creativity possible.”

The Minister concluded: “When the State invests in projects like VISUAL, it is not simply investing in the talent of a particular artist or a company. It is more than that. In a very real way, we are giving seed capital for a new cycle of growth and innovation within all parts of Irish life – which includes the economy.”

Further information is available at http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie