Flocking to East Cork
A creative hub in East Cork has been brought back to life following an extensive refurbishment programme over the past 2 years.
The 250 year old coach house at Greywood Arts Residency and Creative Hub in Killeagh now has studios for up to 4 artists, exhibition and education spaces and the adjoining Greywood Arts Residency which provides a workspace for local artists and teaching spaces as well as a space for exhibitions, workshops and cultural events including literary readings, film screenings and musical performances.
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD officially opened the hub: “Investing in the arts and resources for creativity in our community is hugely important for our society as a whole. Providing these important facilities for artists rewards us all on so many levels, from the creation of new works to the appreciation and enjoyment of art.
“I commend Greywood Arts Residency and Creative Hub for their expertise, insights and hard work in bringing this project to fruition, and I acknowledge the important role that funding from Cork County Council, LEADER, Tomar Trust and the local people of Killeagh played in this vital resource for the region.”
The project received €167,600 in funding under the LEADER Rural Development programme 2014-2022 through Cork County Council’s South Cork LCDC with implementing partner SECAD Partnership CLG.
€15,000 in donations from local people and a significant contribution by Tomar Trust also ensured the project came to fruition.
Mayor of Cork Cllr Danny Collins said: “This exciting initiative will not only foster creativity and artistic expression but also enrich the cultural landscape of our community.”
Artistic Director at Greywood Arts, Jessica Bonenfant said: “We are so excited to extend not just our facilities for artists, but to really extend our impact in the community, through creative programming, education and greater engagement with the creative process, enabling us to reflect on and understand the world around us, building empathy and ways to express ourselves. The Coach House is an important addition to East Cork on so many levels.”
Speaking on behalf of SECAD, its CEO Ryan Howard said: “The Coach House will be a resource for education and creativity, as well as attracting people to Killeagh from around the county, province, country and even abroad.”
For more, see Greywoodarts.org.