The project will link the two buildings, creating a new multi-purpose creative centre for the arts sector, named 'CreativeSpace'. THRIVE is funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the Northern and Western Region.
Mayor Keane welcomed the award, said: "I'm delighted to welcome this funding for Nun's Island Theatre, which will bring a much-loved but underused city centre site into more active use as a creative centre for the people of Galway. Public consultation by Galway City Council in partnership with the UrbanLab in the University of Galway identified that people wanted to see a multi-functional space, that could be used for rehearsals, studios, meetings, events and administration. I'm delighted to see their feedback will come to life with this funding through the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA)."
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CreativeSpace will provide Galway's artistic community with rehearsal and performance space, fostering innovation and experimentation by emerging companies, individuals and minority communities.
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council commented: "The long-term aim of the CreativeSpace concept is to consolidate Galway Arts Centre’s position as a key resource for artists. This will be achieved by promoting Nuns’ Island theatre as Galway’s ‘go to’ venue for emerging theatre and performing companies; by providing space at affordable rates to enable Galway’s artists to bring their projects to stage; and by nurturing amateur artists through our comprehensive youth led programme. I’d like to thank the NWRA and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for their work to secure this funding for Galway City."
Nun's Island Theatre, built around 1835, was originally a Presbyterian Church. Behind the Theatre stands the Church House, also known as 'The Manse', constructed between 1855 and 1872 to house the church's ministers.
Recently, the site has been a key venue for the arts in Galway, hosting events such as the Galway International Arts Festival, Babaró International Arts Festival for Children and Galway Arts Centre. The CreativeSpace project will embody the New European Bauhaus principles—sustainability, aesthetics, inclusivity, and accessibility—an initiative of the European Union.
THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland (40 per cent) and the European Union (60 per cent) under the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.
