South Tipperary Arts Centre hosts fundraiser to help raise funds for new venue

South Tipperary Arts Centre recently hosted a fundraising garden party at Inislounaght House, Marlfield, Clonmel.

Thankfully the weather held up so guests were able to fully enjoy the extensive gardens and grounds at the property which is not generally open to the public.

Live music was provided by Eamon O’Malley, Eve Whelan and Liam O’Reilly as well as some impromptu performances from others.

Guests were free to roam the grounds, take part in complimentary garden tours or simply enjoy the music and refreshments from the marquee on the lawn.

Among the guests were Annie Fletcher, Director of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, as well as STAC board members and many neighbours from Marlfield.

On the Friday evening of the same weekend Ms Fletcher had opened the latest exhibition in STAC’s Nelson Street premises, ‘Níl Aon Tinteán’.

GENEROUS SUPPORT

Also in attendance was STAC’s former chairman, Professor Loughlin Kealy, and the board of STAC was delighted to be able to make a small presentation to him to honour his years of service to the organisation.

STAC has operated from many years from Nelson Street in Clonmel but with the generous support of Tipperary County Council, it has recently expanded to the chapel in the former Kickham Barracks.

This new venture marks a significant increase in the ambition of the centre but in order to maximise the success of this new venue while still maintaining the high standard of the Arts Council supported programming from the Nelson Street premises, investment is needed.

KICKHAM BARRACKS

Following the opening of the plaza at Kickham Barracks, members of the public were finally able to see the potential of the STAC chapel when STAC held its first event there in April of this year.

Many others visited during the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival when it was the location of several music performances.

The garden party was deemed to be great success and the board were greatly encouraged by the healthy attendance from members of the public. The event could not have taken place without the generous support of sponsors and the hard work of volunteers. Special thanks must also go to the Reilly family for providing the venue.

Visit www.southtippartscentre.ie for upcoming exhibitions and events.