People all over Mayo will experience the best of the arts in 2010, despite the financial challenges facing the country.
The Arts Council, the Irish Government agency for funding and developing the arts, announced grant allocations of more than €650,000 for Mayo to support theatre, dance, music, and other performances right across the county, as well as exhibitions and readings. However, the allocation is down on last year. The Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar is the biggest recipient in the county as it is in line for a grant worth €265,000, down from €300,000 last year, while the Mayo County Council will receive €97,000 for their arts programme, €23,000 less than they received last year.
Other recipients include Achill Heinrich Boll Committee €18,000, Ballina Arts Centre €33,600, Ballinglen Arts Foundation €80,000, Claremorris Arts Committee €48,000, Custom House Studios Ltd €15,000, Fidget Feet €52,000, Ionad Ealiona Iorras €1,100, WhistleBlast Quartet €35,000, Yew Theatre Productions €13,400,
The chairman of the Arts Council Pat Moylan said: “The council sought to ensure that organisations continue to bring the best of the arts to audiences across Ireland. The council prioritised regional balance, where key venues and festivals have been supported to produce the best of the arts for people right across the country. In addition, the Arts Council has established a new fund for touring; this will extend the life of productions, exhibitions, and performances, and ensure more people experience the arts in 2010.”
The funding announced comes from the Arts Council’s three main grants programmes. Artists and arts organisations will be also be able to apply for a range of bursary awards, travel and training and deis awards and projects and commissions awards over the course of the year.
