The Town Hall Theatre has announced the successful applicants in its inaugural Patron Donation Awards for artists, companies and producers based in Galway.
The purpose of the awards is to support applicants to research and develop projects which are original and ambitious and which have something to say about the times we live in.
In announcing the seven successful applicants, the Town Hall Theatre Director Fergal Mc Grath said; "Seventeen excellent submissions were received, making the assessment process very competitive. The number and calibre of the submissions were so high that we had to increase the guaranteed fund to €12,000, highlighting yet again the strength, quality and ambition of Galway’s artists.
"In these extraordinary times, Town Hall Theatre was delighted to receive a wide variety of proposals including from across disciplines, seeking to present work in dynamic and innovative ways which will forge new partnerships and collaborations.
"Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who made submissions’’.
Awards of €1000 and €2000 were awarded and the successful applicants were Andrew Flynn (Decadent Theatre Company ); Anna Mullarkey with Brú Theatre; Christian O’Reilly; Little John Nee; Luke Morgan, Morgan Creative; Roisin Stack; and Sarah Jane Scott. In addition to the financial bursary, the award will include rehearsal/development space in the Town Hall Theatre and mentoring, as required.
Mr Mc Grath added; "It is envisioned that the successful applicants will develop their work within the Town Hall Theatre and be supported by the organisation to bring their work to the next stage. All of the team at the Town Hall Theatre are looking forward to working with the award winners and seeing how all projects develop.’’
The Town Hall Theatre is Galway’s premier performing arts venue, providing a platform and supportive environment for artists and arts organisations. These new awards are part of a number of ongoing initiatives to encourage and support creative development for Galway artists, companies, and producers and to assist with the creation of work by Galway artists in the performing arts; theatre, music, and dance.
Its doors may be closed for now, but The Town Hall Theatre will continue to support artists during this crisis, through a range of measures made possible by the generosity of its patrons and its valued audience.
The Town Hall Theatre earlier this year introduced a Patron Donation option to its online booking system and seeks support for the scheme and all income from donations received will be invested in the awards. Anyone who wishes to donate to the awards should visit tht.ie/patron-donation-awards/
