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Taoiseach announces $2.52m in additional Government funding for the Irish Arts Center in New York

NEW YORK CITY, The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D. is today (Friday) visiting the site for the planned new Irish Arts Center, where he will announce an additional Irish Government grant of $2.52 million. 

This brings total Government support for the project to more than $8 million, and ensures that the project is now fully funded, with construction expected to get underway in the coming months. 

In addition to the financial contribution, the Office of Public Works advised on the design and development aspects of the project.

The Irish Government has worked in close partnership with the Irish Arts Center, the City of New York, the State of New York and a number of private donors, to secure the $60 million capital costs for this project.

Today’s announcement underscores the Government’s ambitions to double Ireland’s global footprint, of which culture is a key component. It also reflects the Government’s commitment to doubling the funding of arts and culture, which will be further elaborated with the forthcoming publication of a 10 year capital plan for culture.

Speaking today the Taoiseach said:

“I am delighted to announce this additional grant from the Irish Government, which will mean that building work can get underway on the magnificent new Irish Arts Center in New York. The construction of the new premises is just the next stage in the development of this vibrant institution. 

“The new landmark building will be a place for the Irish – and for Irish Americans - to tell their evolving story, celebrate our heritage, connect to future generations and reach out to other cultures in this great city. 

“The Irish Government is proud to stand with the other funders, the City of New York and the State of New York, as well as private donors, in making this exciting project a reality.” 

ENDS

Note to Editors:

The Irish Arts Center was founded in New York in 1972 and is primarily focused on the showcasing of Irish culture, through performance, exhibition and education. The Center runs an ongoing education programme with more than 40 adult and children’s classes a week in Irish language, dance, music and writing, and workshops with artists performing there.

The Center partners with key high level New York cultural institutions such as St. Ann’s Warehouse and the Baryshnikov Arts Center to present Irish arts at the highest level in New York, and promotes touring of artists presenting there to other key venues across the US. 

The $8,337,824 Government of Ireland capital funding is broken down in the below table. 

Planning for a second project, the refurbishment of the existing IAC, which will connect to the new building, is also well advanced.


Year
Amount
2009DFAT - $3,455,290 (€2.3 million)
2014DFAT - $1.25 million (€1,001,362)
2016D/Culture - €1 million
2017DFAT - $1,336,567.20 (€1.128 million)
D/Culture - €1 million