Irish Arts Center Secures $36 Million for Phase Two Redevelopment in New York
The Irish Arts Center in New York has made a monumental leap in its mission to foster Irish culture and arts in the United States with the announcement of a 36 million fundraising milestone for its PhaseTwo redevelopment.
Irish Arts Center unveils Phase Two development plans
The redevelopment of the 51st Street building follows the successful completion of Phase One, which saw the opening of the IAC’s new 21,700 square foot facility on 11th Avenue in 2021. This new building includes a state-of-the-art flexible theater, café, studio, and library spaces, all designed to support the center’s multidisciplinary mission. The success of Phase One has been evident in the center’s growing reputation, with record-breaking fundraising galas and high-profile collaborations with artists from around the world.
The Phase Two project will focus on creating a second, smaller, and more intimate venue at the 51st Street location. This will serve as a companion to the larger 11th Avenue building and will cater to one-night performances and smaller community events. The new space is expected to provide a platform for emerging and established Irish artists across a range of disciplines, including music, theater, and visual arts. Additionally, the project will include accessible staff offices and critical storage and production spaces to support both buildings.
Irish Arts Center upgrades its historic New York location
The funding for Phase Two has been made possible through a combination of public and private support. The Irish government’s €3 million grant was announced by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan, who emphasized the center’s role as a “home from home” for Irish artists. The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs has also contributed 6million,whiletheNewYorkStateCouncilontheArtshaspledged3.5 million. Together, these contributions highlight the shared commitment to preserving and promoting Irish culture in New York City.
NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo praised the Republic of Ireland’s generosity, stating that the funding will help strengthen the long-standing bonds between New York and Ireland for generations to come. She emphasized that the city is proud of its over $20 million investment in the second phase of the IAC campus, which will serve as a global hub for art and culture.
The Irish Arts Center’s executive director, Aidan Connolly, described the funding as a “visionary partnership” that will secure a permanent platform for Irish artists in the cultural capital of the world. The second phase is expected to begin construction in early 2027 and be completed by late 2028 or 2029. The project will be led by the same team of architects and consultants who worked on Phase One, including Davis Brody Bond, Fisher Dachs, and Structure Tone.
Irish Arts Center’s Phase Two project gets underway with new funding
The IAC’s 11th Avenue facility has already established itself as a premier venue for Irish arts and culture. Since its opening in 2021, the center has hosted a wide range of productions, from theater and music to visual arts and community programs. Critics have praised the center’s innovative programming, with notable highlights including Colin Murphy’s “The United States vs Ulysses”, a sold-out celebration of Bill Whelan, and the North American premiere of Owen McCafferty’s “Agreement”. The center has also collaborated with Lyric Theatre Belfast and Grammy-winning musician Arturo O’Farrill.
The IAC’s fundraising efforts have also gained momentum, with the 2024 Spirit of Ireland Gala honoring Meryl Streep and raising a record $3.25 million. This year’s gala, scheduled for November 7, will honor Conan O’Brien and Robert Bradway, further solidifying the center’s role as a key player in the cultural landscape of New York.
With the completion of Phase Two, the Irish Arts Center will not only expand its physical footprint but also its influence. The upgraded campus will provide more opportunities for Irish artists to showcase their work and for audiences to engage with Irish culture in a global setting. The funding also underscores the importance of cultural diplomacy and the role of the arts in bridging communities across the Atlantic.
As the Irish Arts Center moves forward with its ambitious plans, it continues to serve as a vital link between Ireland and the United States. For Irish Americans and cultural enthusiasts alike, the center promises to be a beacon of creativity, inclusivity, and artistic excellence in one of the world’s most vibrant cultural capitals.
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