Two arts centres in Mayo have been granted €275,500 between them from the Arts Council, with the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar receiving €225,000 and the Ballina Arts Centre receiving €50,5000.
The funding was welcomed by local politicians with Fine Gael TD, Alan Dillon saying: “It is excellent to see this funding being announced by the Arts Council and only forms their first round of investments this year.
“This funding in excess of quarter of a million euro will certainly benefit the excellent work being done to lift the spirits of Mayo communities throughout the pandemic. It is excellent news locally for the Linenhall Arts Centre and Ballina Arts Centre.
“I should point out that the Arts Council have also said that in the weeks ahead, it would award around €10.7 million to arts organisations through its Arts Grant Funding programme.
Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers also welcomed the announcement saying: “This investment in our local arts amenity will have a hugely positive impact and the funding is key to helping the arts in Mayo survive and thrive in 2021.
“Unprecedented funding was provided to the Arts Council this year through Budget 2021 that will help sustain artists and organisations severely impacted by the pandemic.”
