The Playhouse
Situated within the historic walled city of Derry,
The Playhouse uses the arts to address a range of social
needs
in the area, including cross-community relations, job
creation, educational performance and the development
of
alternative curriculums for young people.
In1992, The Playhouse was set up in former Convent Primary
School buildings scheduled for demolition. Under
the leadership of Artistic Director Pauline Ross, The
Playhouse has flourished to become one of the busiest
and
most dynamic cross-border /cross-community Art Centres
in Ireland. Each year, the range of performances and
educational programmes attract over 100,000 visitors.
The Playhouse promotes community involvement in the
arts, offering a unique and eclectic mix of Performance
Art (for audiences) and Educational Projects (for participation).
In any one day the centre can host cutting-edge
theatre, music, opera or comedy performances, as well
as projects using the arts to, among other things, help
re-engage disenfranchised young people with formal learning,
promote cross-community interaction with
preschool children, or create drama from the experiences
of those who have been affected by suicide, domestic
violence and mental health issues.
Artsyard
A recent project of The Playhouse is Artsyard,
a collaborative, cross-border project for young people
in Derry and Ballyshannon, Donegal. Disadvantaged young people
train in a range of accredited modules—including
Film / Video, Drama, Dance and Creative Writing –that
are designed to develop their communication skills,
confidence, creative imagination and sense of identity,
as well as their relationships with each other. One
participant’s parent said that Artyard “proved
to be a lifeline…it came at a time of bullying
at school that had
undermined [our daughter’s] confidence and impaired
her studies. Artyard’s varied, interesting programme
made
such a difference…”
Historic Buildings
The Playhouse buildings are on the Historic Buildings
At-Risk Register due to problematic conditions that
include
leaking roofs, antiquated electrics, dry rot, antiquated
toilets and inadequate disabled access.
Refurbishing and extending the premises will cost £4,195,970.
To date, The Playhouse has received support
from a range of funders, including the Arts Council
of Northern Ireland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Northern
Irish
Tourist Board and others. However, there remains a shortfall
of £160,000
| How The Ireland
Funds helped |
| The Ireland
Funds helped with €35,500 |
| The Impact
of your investment |
Your
money will help pay for the extension and refurbishment
of
The Playhouse that will provide:
- Re-establishment of a Landmark Art Centre
in Derry
- Complete conservation and restoration
of the two B1 listed buildings located in an
area that lost two-thirds of its historic buildings
in bombing during the Troubles
- Construction of a 7,000 square feet extension
- State of the art 250-seat theatre, dance
studio, art gallery and workshop areas
- Office space for 7 new cultural businesses
that will create at least 30 jobs
- Café, hospitality area and access
facilities for people with disabilities
|
|
|
DONATE
NOW
