Key projects to help growing arts scene
Arts and Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue recently announced a €1.6m grant for an arts centre in his hometown, Caherciveen, while work has started on a €1m centre at the old vocational school in nearby Waterville.
It is reckoned that up to 30 people are engaged in arts pursuits in south Kerry, including painters, potters, sculptors, ceramics and woodcraft workers and others.
However, there’s a scarcity of facilities where they can display their work. Two years ago, a committee was formed in Caherciveen to campaign for an arts centre.
Committee member Noreen O’Sullivan, also the local librarian, yesterday welcomed progress.
“Such a centre has been badly needed for a long time. There are many artistic people living in this community. They’re contributing an awful lot to the area and it will be great for them,” she said.
“It will also be a useful development as regards tourism.”
The centre will be located in the former Christian Brothers’ School site and will include Kerry County Council area offices, a new library and arts centre.
Council director of services John Breen said they originally looked at the possibility of refurbishing the old building, but opted instead for totally new structure which will include a 150-seat performance area.
“Compared to other parts of Kerry, Caherciveen is deficient in facilities for the arts, but the new centre should meet that need. It is hoped to start construction before the end of 2006,” Mr Breen said.
Meanwhile, work on the Waterville arts centre, which will be an extension to Teach Amergin, is due to be completed by August.
It will feature a reception area, a 100-seat auditorium and exhibition area, workshops for ceramics, woodcraft and painting, a general purpose room and cafeteria.
Teach Amergin currently functions as an education centre, with arts and cultural classes, workshops, art exhibitions, poetry and writing workshops.
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