Arts centre tunes in for charities

THE Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind were among those giving thanks this week for funds raised by charity performances at the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre.

The organisation was one of a number to benefit from evening charity recitals at the centre during the past year.

Based in Cork, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind depends largely on such fundraising events to help meet the average €35,000 cost of maintaining a guide dog partnership over eight years.

Around 150 people benefit from the support of a guide dog in Ireland.

Some of the animals in training for service with the blind and visually impaired turned up to express their appreciation for the efforts of the arts centre, located in Temple Bar.

Since being set up 10 years ago, the evening charity recitals have supported a number of charities.

They also provide a platform for emerging and established artists to entertain and be supported by the community.

Among the other organisations that received assistance from the proceeds of this year’s recitals were Sophia Housing Association, Schizophrenia Ireland-Lucia Foundation, Amnesty International, St Peter’s Church Phibsborough, Colon Cancer Research and CARE Local.

The centre, located in Foster Place off Dublin’s Dame Street, also boasts art exhibitions and other creative arts among its programme.

As well as the charity recitals, a number of events such as lunch-time classical choice recitals, out-to-lunch poetry readings and exhibitions are also organised. Entrance to most of the events is by free admission and booking is not required.