Connaught Telegraph - County Mayo

Some articles from the Connaught Telegraph from 1996 to 1999

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£20,000 shortfall in Linenhall building plan

 

Our Logo2 September 1998

 

By TOM GILLESPIE

THIRTY-THOUSAND-pounds has been raised in the past two months towards the cost of transforming the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar into a multi-purpose arts facility.

A local contribution of £50,000 must be raised by the end of October to enable the £350,000 development plan to proceed.

It will involve the taking over, on a long term lease, of the local Town Hall, over which the present Linenhall Centre is located, and equipping it with state-of-the-art stage, dressing rooms, lighting and proper seating.

This will enable the Linenhall to accept big touring companies and shows which it has so fas been unable to accommodate.

Linenhall director Marie Farrell said they were delighted with their sponsorship drive to date.

"The business people of the area have been very supportive and positive towards our campaign and we have raised £30,000 since we launched the fund raising drive in July.

"However, we must secure a further £20,000 by the end of October in order to meet out local commitment of £50,000."

In recognition of the contribution the Linenhall has made to arts activity in the region, Mayo County Council, Castlebar Urban Council and the Arts Council have jointly to give £300,000 to upgrade the building.

Marie Farrell added: "A vibrant and lively arts scene such as the Linenhall supplies makes Castlebar and its hinterland and exciting and attractive place for people to move and live in, a place in which people can take pride."

She said one of the innovative fund raining schemes they had devised was sponsoring a chair in the new auditorium. Already twenty-five seats have been 'sold'.

 

 

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - September 1998