VIDEO: Cork City Ballet company seeking patrons to continue work

Cork City Ballet is to seek patronage from sponsors to sustain its work beyond the current production of Swan Lake, having received only €7,000 in grant money this year towards its efforts.

Artistic director Alan Foley said the funding it received from Cork City Council pales in comparison with the €275,000 awarded by the Arts Council to Meath-based Ballet Ireland.

Mr Foley admitted the future of the company is uncertain beyond its run of Swan Lake, which started in Cork Opera House last night.

“I hope this is not the end, we are trying to find patronage, sponsors who will put their name to our productions. We have been on a financial treadmill for a number of years.”

The last time the Arts Council granted annual funding to the company was in 2010, when it received €40,000 compared to the €240,000 awarded to Ballet Ireland in the same year.

Mr Foley said Cork City Ballet has now “given up” on receiving Arts Council funding given the time-consuming application process.

He and the ballet’s PRO, Colette McNamee, are now seeking patrons. Mr Foley indicated they are hopeful American patrons may offer support. “People forget that our dancers are paid, they have to be, this is their job.

“They are picked at the age of 10 and train for eight years, every day of their lives. It is their job. Then there’s the cost of costumes, music, lights, professional crews, sets, and more.

“Our European counterparts are amazed that we do what we do. That €7,000 grant from Cork City Council is maybe enough to cover three to four costumes,” said Mr Foley.

The artistic director, however, said he was proud of the calibre of production they have put together this week, and paid tribute to the “passionate” team who brought it together.

He also thanked the Cork public for its support. .