Bravo! Kilkenny theatre gets €250,000 funding boost

Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre has been awarded funding of over €250,000 as part of a national cultural support scheme.

The landmark local venue was allocated a capital grant of €255,407 towards the upgrading and development of its facilities under the Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022.

The Watergate is one of eleven arts and culture organisations across the country to share a €1.5 million funding allocation as part of the scheme.

Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan said the allocation to the Kilkenny theatre is the second highest allocation in the country under the funding stream. 

Deputy Phelan (pictured below) said: “In line with the Government’s action on climate change, this scheme prioritises projects that reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint that will make a real and positive impact on the environment.

“Projects that provide additional capacity for artists and artistic production particularly in arts centres were also favoured. The Watergate’s successful application is testament to the fantastic work being done at the theatre by management and staff, in what has been such a difficult time for the arts sector, to support artists through residencies, commissions and bursaries.

“Their partnership approach is driving the arts sector in Kilkenny whilst also building new relationships with professional non-Kilkenny based arts sector workers.

“Given the emphasis that this funding places on reducing organisations’ carbon footprint, I particularly welcome the real and positive impact that these projects will have on the local environment, as well as improving  the audience and creative experience while upgrading facilities. This overall funding package will ensure past investment at the Watergate is protected and sustained.”