New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $2 million to redevelop the original home of the Irish Arts on Manhattan's West Side.
This builds on the State’s prior support for the Irish Arts Center, including $4.8 million awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts Capital Projects Fund, said a release from the governor's office.
The new financial package, announced Friday, follows the IAC's recent announcement that it had itself raised $40 million for the redevelopment project.
“The arts play a central role in celebrating Irish culture, building bridges between the people of Ireland and New York and honoring the contributions of Irish immigrants like my grandparents,” Governor Hochul said.
“That’s why I’m proud to support the Irish Arts Center in rejuvenating its original and beloved home. This funding will allow this important cultural institution in Manhattan to continue showcasing the deep cultural and artistic contributions of the Irish to the people of New York.”
The $2 million State grant, according to the release, will help revitalize the Center’s original home — a century-old tenement building — directly connecting it to its new, flagship space as a single, unified and fully accessible campus. By adding this second, connected venue, the Center will expand its capacity for programming and classes, including live music, literature, talks, film screenings, digital programming, as well as master classes, residencies, community and special events. It will also consolidate the Center’s back-of-house operations, artist and patron services, and administrative offices. The funding will be administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY)."
DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said: “Governor Hochul understands the important role cultural institutions play in strengthening our communities and preserving the traditions that make New York unique.
"The Irish Arts Center has been a home for Irish arts and culture in New York City for decades, and this investment will help build on that legacy by expanding programming and creating new opportunities for artists, students and visitors. DASNY is proud to administer this grant and support the Center as it expands its programming and brings new life to its original home.”
State Senator Erik Bottcher said: “The Irish Arts Center is a treasured cultural institution and an important part of the fabric of Hell’s Kitchen. For decades, it has brought people together through music, literature, theater, and the celebration of Irish culture and heritage, while creating a welcoming space for artists and audiences from all backgrounds.
"This $2 million investment will help the Center build on its success, expand access to arts and cultural programming, and ensure that this historic institution continues to thrive for generations to come. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to supporting the arts and strengthening the cultural institutions that make New York City so special.”
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said: "For decades, the Irish Arts Center in my district has brought engaging performances, classes and exhibits to our community. Earlier this year, I was proud to allocate $1.5 million in capital funding to the Center to help with their mission to bring Irish arts and culture to all New Yorkers.
"With today's announcement, I am thrilled that Governor Hochul will be providing an additional $2 million to aid the Irish Arts Center in their next phase of construction. With this funding, their century-old building will be fully revitalized, connecting it to its new flagship space, which will allow them to reach more residents of Hell's Kitchen and beyond."
And Assemblymember Keith Powers said: “As a proud Irish American and longtime supporter of the Irish Arts Center, I am thrilled by New York State’s continued investment in this visionary campus. Expanding the Center’s original home will strengthen the vital bond between New York and Ireland, while broadening access to world-class arts, education, and community programming right here in Manhattan. Thank you to Governor Hochul for championing our cultural institutions and preserving the story of Irish America.”
Irish Arts Center Executive Director Aidan Connolly said: “It’s an honor to have in Governor Hochul such a fierce, continuous supporter of this collaboration between Ireland and New York. The Governor shares with Irish Arts Center an appreciation for New York as a nexus of cultures fortified by the vibrancy of its artistic ecosystem, and this generous grant will help us complete our two-building campus that brings to NYC the dynamism of Irish culture in the 21st century.”
Concluded the release: "In 2021, after more than a decade of development and planning, the Irish Arts Center completed construction of a $60 million flagship building at 726 11th Avenue, in a historic partnership of the City of New York, State of New York, Irish government, private and institutional donors, and the artistic and cultural communities in New York and Ireland.
"This redevelopment campaign marks Phase Two of the Center’s unified campus vision, and will be done in partnership with the same cohort of public and private partners that brought Phase One to fruition."
