West Cork arts fundraiser

ARTISTS based in West Cork are set to launch a €300,000 fundraising drive to build a new home.

Details of the move were announced earlier this week when Minister John O’Donoghue and Deputy Denis O’Donovan visited the West Cork Arts Centre in Skibbereen.

They met with arts centre director, Ann Davoren, and members of the Board of WCAC to discuss the possibility of turning the former Wolfe’s Bakery building into a new centre.

WCAC exhibitions coordinator, Susan Harrington, said the building was situated in a prime location in the centre of Skibbereen and would afford artists from the region more space to work.

Minister O’Donoghue said he is in consultation with Finance Minister, Brian Cowen, to implement a new ACCESS Programme (Arts and Culture Enhancement Support Scheme) in the autumn. The ACCESS scheme provides funding for the capital development of arts and cultural facilities and it is hoped to have Skibbereen included on the list.

Those involved in the centre are to organise a number of fundraisers, including auctions and raffles, in an attempt to raise €300,000 towards the building project.

Ms Harrington said it is hoped to raise the money by October as part funding for the proposed programme.