Theatre Royal Waterford will soon have a biodiversity garden, on foot of receiving funding.
It's one of five arts projects selected from the €250,000 ESB Brighter Future Arts Fund, a scheme that supports arts organisations with creative ideas around sustainability.
It's a collaboration between Theatre Royal and Waterford Council.
The project will include a pollinator friendly willow sculpture by artist Elaine McDonagh, installed in the new biodiversity garden adjacent to the theatre.
The garden will be designed by Eoin Dullea, horticulturist with Waterford Council, and will be inspired by theatrical performance and nature. It's hoped it will be a natural urban habitat for insects, butterflies and birds.
Eco-sculptor Elaine McDonough and Eoin Dullea, Horticulturist
The sculpture and garden will be the first step in Theatre Royal’s transformational ‘green journey. Theatre manager Mary Boland explained the concept: "The biodiversity garden and sculpture are inspired by the first ever performance, on the opening evening of Theatre Royal in 1785, of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and its famous line ‘All the world’s a stage..’. Our team have embarked upon an exciting journey to ‘green the Theatre Royal’ by making the venue more energy efficient. In creating the garden and sculpture, we’re hoping to inspire our artists and audiences to play their part by reducing their own carbon footprint."
The Project kicks off this month and is expected be ready for public use by October 2022.
Last week, 1500 trees were planted in the Cherrymount as part of the Neighbourwoods campaign. More here.
