Cork Opera House CEO: 'A lot of our artists are leaving. There is no work for them here'

CEO and artistic director of Cork Opera House Eibhlín Gleeson said that for many graduates of the performing arts, there is nowhere for them to work in Ireland

Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber, Eibhlín Gleeson, CEO & Artistic Director, Cork Opera House, Rob Horgan, President, Cork Chamber, Mark Barrett, Partner, RDJ LLP and Karen O'Donoghue, Managing Director, Irish Examiner pictured attending the Cork Chamber Business Breakfast at the Metropole Hotel where Eibhlín Gleeson, CEO & Artistic Director, Cork Opera House was the keynote speaker. Picture Chani Anderson

The arts have never been without its challenges and Cork Opera House is no different, said CEO and artistic director of the venue, Eibhlín Gleeson.

Speaking at the Cork Chamber Business Breakfast at the Metropole Hotel on Tuesday, Ms Gleeson said that despite its strong partnerships with artists through universities and performance schools, many are still forced to emigrate.

"A lot of our people are leaving. A lot of your artists are leaving. There is no work for them here.

"There are amazing musicians, actors and dancers graduating from our third-level institutions that have no home in Ireland. There is nowhere for them to perform.

"People graduating from musical theatre degrees are going to London."

The CEO also noted the importance of investment for the venue, adding that it was essential for an independent producing institution like the Opera House to sustain itself.

"That is such a crucial part of why the Opera House is successful, and it will continue to be successful as long as that is nurtured and fed."

Speaking on the long-awaited event centre for Cork and how the Opera House will compete with the venue, Ms Gleeson said that while an increase in people attending arts and cultural events is always a good thing, it also brings challenges.

"If more people are going to things like this, that can only benefit our business. But if Disney On Ice comes at the same time as our panto, that is a serious competitor for us and something we will just have to withstand. 

"But we will always make it work in Cork and prioritise our mission-driven work, and that will set us apart from the event centre. I do think there is room for both, but we have to make sure that we protect and mind what is here already."

Earlier this year, Cork Opera House published its five-year strategic plan, with some of its objectives for the coming years including a focus on large-scale shows, musicals, and traditional theatre, as well as prioritising classic repertoire and nurturing opera talent through the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artist programme.

"We sell over 200,000 tickets every year," Ms Gleeson continued. "We estimate that we generate around €5m for the local economy.

"Every great city needs a beating, cultural heart. It tells the world that we value creativity, ambition and quality of life. 

"It is not just nice to have, it is an essential part of our city's ethos."