Mayo's arts centres are 'operating on a shoestring'

A Castlebar councillor has called for more support for the town's Linenhall Arts Centre.

Independent Cllr Harry Barrett told the recent meeting of Mayo County Council that the Linenhall had made an enormously positive impact on the county town over the years.

“As a teacher for 30 years, I have witnessed the massive impact arts training has had in the Castlebar area, particularly from the Linenhall Arts Centre. It is amazing to see a child who may not be academic shine in an artistic capacity, be it on a stage or in a workshop, and to see tutors telling them at the age of seven, eight or nine, you are good at this. That is legacy and is very powerful.

“But while the Linenhall is very successful, it is struggling and is barely able to keep its doors open. It is already scaling back on its programmes and is depending on us as councillors for its survival. I would like it to be a key aim in the new Mayo Strategic Arts Plan to see the Linenhall flourish. It should not be relying on councillors for its survival.” 

Cllr Patsy O’Brien supported the call, adding that many of Mayo's arts centres are "operating on a shoestring". 

“They give a great opportunity to young people to develop skills but unfortunately funding has been a huge issue, and they are depending on getting money from here, there and everywhere to survive. In future we need to advocate for more funding. It is hugely important the youth can get involved and the skill of the arts be given to everybody, because people have skills and they can be brought on through the arts.” 

Cllr Annie May Reape, who is a board member of Ballina Arts Centre, said the Christmas pantomime in the venue was “packed to capacity”, adding: “There is so much talent but so many are not aware of what Ballina Arts Centre does. Some see the arts as elitist when it is for everyone. But money is a problem, and we are working on a shoestring. We get our allocation but there is always a shortfall, and staff are paid by Pobal. It is just very difficult to make ends meet.” 

She paid tribute to Ballina Arts Centre manager Paul Cunningham for “doing very well with a very tight budget”.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.