Further to the current public consultation in relation to the development plan for Kilkenny and specifically for the St Francis Abbey Brewery site, we would like to make the following submission.
Barnstorm Theatre Company has developed its unique brand of theatre arts in Kilkenny since 1991 and finds itself in need of more suitable premises to house its diverse activities and the many groups and individuals throughout the county that benefit from the services and facilities that it provides.
We have attached a brief overview of the company, its importance to Kilkenny and its needs in relation to new premises.
The acquisition of the brewery site by the County Council offers the opportunity of putting the arts at the centre of civic planning and the promotion of Kilkenny both in relation to tourism and attracting inward investment.
Barnstorm is a unique treasure synonymous with Kilkenny, and if suitably situated and resourced can be a flagship which promotes Kilkenny as a centre of excellence for the provision of quality arts experience for children and young people.
We would urge you in your deliberations on the development of the brewery site to include such provision in your vision for the future of Kilkenny.
We would be happy to meet with you at your convenience to discuss this proposal in more detail.
A NEW HOME FOR KILKENNY’S BARNSTORM THEATRE COMPANY
The county’s support for the arts within its community and on the wider national and international stage
History
Barnstorm is a Kilkenny theatre company with an international profile and reputation, and is a flagship to others in the field. The company was founded in 1991 with the help of the then Kilkenny County Council Arts Officer and quickly built a national reputation for its work in the field of children, young people, education and community theatre.
Barnstorm moved into its present home at the back of the Good Shepherd Centre behind St Canice’s Cathedral in 1996. In the 17 years that have passed the company has grown dramatically and so too has the demand for its services here and abroad.
The company operates from the first and second floor of the old Loreto Convent dormitory which has been renovated to include offices, rehearsal studios and a beautiful theatre The Barn that is used for professional children’s theatre shows, youth theatre, Adult Theatre Club productions, visiting companies, as a venue for the Kilkenny Arts Festival, and by local groups.
There have been over 90 productions out of this small company operated by a dedicated staff of four with another 30+ seasonal employees (actors, designers etc.)
Facts
There are between six and ten productions mounted per year in The Barn with a total audience on average of 4,000 locals (along with 5,000 in the Watergate).
Barnstorm tours nationally and internationally with its Theatre for Young Audiences (10,000 to 15,000 annually) .
There are 2 Youth Theatre groups (10-18 year olds) with 40 members, the Adult Theatre Club (a 2-year training course) with 20 members and the Barn Owl Players (an exciting local amateur theatre company born out of previous Adult Theatre Club groups).
All these groups alongside the professional shows must develop, rehearse and present their work in The Barn.
In 2013 the building can no longer support the diversity of activity from this energetic company and with the forthcoming introduction (2015) of new legislation in relation to Accessibility it is imperative that new premises are sourced to house Barnstorm and its various activities and members.
With the Diageo site newly acquired by Kilkenny County and Borough Councils we appeal to the planners to make provision for Barnstorm and its future sustainability.
Economics
Barnstorm is grant-aided annually by the Arts Council/An Comhairle Ealíonn and Kilkenny County Council and further generates income from box-office, workshops, teaching and Friends/Donor Schemes. The company’s annual turnover is between €350,000 and €500,000 making it a major contributor to the local economy.
But it is in respect of social dividend and quality of life that Barnstorm brings a great deal to Kilkenny. In a recent survey 83% of people cited public funding of the arts for children and young people, as the number one priority. People want their children to have the opportunity to engage in arts experiences. Unlike any other city in Ireland, apart from Dublin, all primary school children in County Kilkenny have the opportunity at least once a year of attending a professional production created and produced for them at either The Barn or Watergate Theatres.
Kilkenny children between the ages of 11 and 18 have the opportunity to join a Youth Theatre ….
The availability of these opportunities can and should be used more in promoting Kilkenny as an attractive set-up location for business.
The future
Barnstorm will continue to develop and build its profile from its Kilkenny base, serving young audiences, community groups and locals. Its vision is of a dedicated building in the medieval city that enhances Kilkenny’s reputation as a centre of excellence for the arts, celebrates and honours children and young people through the arts; that acts as an example of the importance of young citizens in the planning of the city by our elected representatives; and becomes a beacon to others who wish to serve children, young people and local communities through the arts.
The building will consist of four office spaces, two studio/rehearsal spaces, and a dedicated theatre space with a capacity of 100-150 seats (including stage area, backstage, two dressing rooms, toilets and kitchen). There is also a need for a reception area, public toilets, boardroom, and storage spaces as well as archive room, electrics, and building workshop. There will also be general public access, parking space for bus drop-offs and wheelchair access.
The entire building will need to be heated and ventilated; and have adequate security provision.
The development of such a unique facility will be an investment for the people of Kilkenny and future generations for it is today’s children and young people that will define Kilkenny’s future.
Philip Hardy
Artistic Director, Barnstorm Theatre Company 13 Aug 2013
Are the appropriate spaces….?
The Mayfair Ballroom – is the hall intact?
The Carnegie Library – would need to build the theatre space behind (carpark)
The ‘Mash’ room- the giant cylinders would need to be removed
The fermenting rooms (the space under the Lynx bottles!)
