Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan TD and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD today (Monday) reviewed the new artist facilities at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Annaghmakerrig, Co Monaghan.
An investment of over €300,000 by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is funding the development of a number of new facilities at the workplace and retreat for creative artists. The centre’s kitchen has been upgraded to better cater for residents and staff.
The centre’s dance studio is also being upgraded and a new rehearsal space is being provided. This investment will facilitate more collaborative forms of theatre and performance for which there is a significant demand. It will also allow the centre to cater for groups working with special needs and targeted audiences including groups with disabilities and impaired vision.
The Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig was the family home of Sir Tyrone Guthrie, theatre director, impresario, playwright and philanthropist. It was bequeathed to the State in 1971 on condition that it remained a workplace and retreat for creative artists from the island of Ireland and from overseas. The house and buildings, with the assistance of the OPW, were converted to accommodation and studios.
The Tyrone Guthrie Centre opened in 1981 as a residential workplace for artists dedicated to supporting and facilitating creativity in the arts. It is one of just three residential artists’ spaces operating in Ireland – the others are Cill Rialaig in Co. Kerry and Ballinaglen Co. Mayo. The Tyrone Guthrie Centre is unique in that it provides full board for artists and creatives working across all disciplines.
Proposals for a new artists facility in Newbliss village at an advanced stage
Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan TD said, “These greatly needed enhancements to the centre’s facilities will allow it to expand the very valuable work it undertakes. It is great to see first-hand the value that this investment will bring to the artists and staff who use the centre.
In light of the success of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, my department is currently assessing proposals to open a second residential facility for artists at the old courthouse in Newbliss village. My officials are currently working with the Tyrone Guthrie Centre and Monaghan County Council on the project proposal. The new facility would operate as a sister facility to the Tyrone Guthrie Centre and see more artists visiting this wonderful retreat in the future.”
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD commented, “The Tyrone Guthrie Centre really is a hidden gem of Ireland. It is set in an area of stunning scenic beauty in the heart of rural Ireland.
“The completion of the new dance studio and other facilities is a fantastic boost to the centre following significant investment by Government.
“I am particularly delighted that proposals to redevelop the old courthouse in Newbliss so that further residential space can be provided for artists are nearing completion. This is an issue I have worked closely on with the Tyrone Guthrie Centre and Monaghan County Council. I want to acknowledge the work of my colleague, Minister Madigan, who fully recognises the value of this project from both a heritage and artistic perspective.
“Bringing the historic Courthouse building back into use will provide the Tyrone Guthrie Centre with additional accommodation for artists and it will also have knock-on economic benefits for Newbliss in terms of attracting people into the village. This is exactly the sort of transformative project the Government wants to see happening in our rural towns and villages. It will make a huge difference to the Centre in Annaghmakerrig and I know it will also mean so much to the people of Newbliss and the local area.”