Garter Lane has received a significant funding boost as it is due to receive €196,857 under the Cultural Capital Scheme.
The funding comes under Stream B of the Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022, as a very significant investment in the Cultural Quarter and one which will go a long way to assisting with the renovation of number 5 O’Connell Street (Barker House).
The building requires significant work to enable the space to be made safe and to reverse much of the damage which it has encountered over many years so it to be brought back into productive use by the arts community in Waterford.
Executive Director of Garter Lane, Sile Penkert, told WLR FM that it is a fantastic day for the local arts community, which helps to safeguard the future.
"So much of Waterford would own as it's own rich cultural heritage was actually birthed in this building. This building was the birthplace of so many organisations and activities that have gone on to really proliferate Waterford's cultural scene. I'm just absolutely thrilled that we're going to be in a situation going forward that not only are we going to be able to bring parts of this building (Barker House) back online - but we are very clearly safeguarding the future for arts practices in Waterford."
Sile says this is an extended vote of confidence in the Cultural Quarter.
"There's an awful lot of good will around the arts in general in Waterford. That's not to be sneezed at. We do rely on that. Building that momentum here is really important, with regard to how the Cultural Quarter envisages this street - and certainly Garter Lane will play it's part in that."
Ms. Penkert thanked all those involved in the funding application including local Fine Gael Senator John Cummins and Green Party TD, Marc O'Cathasaigh.
Senator Cummins welcomed the news.
"I am absolutely delighted with this mornings announcement. It has taken a great deal of time and effort to get this application over the line, but I know it is going to make a huge difference. The work required to improve Barker House has long been out of reach of Garter Lane and the council, however this grant will enable work to commence on parts of the building to re-invigorate its use and I have no doubt it will impact greatly on the working lives of the many arts workers. Having sat on the Cultural Quarter steering committee for a number of years, it is absolutely fantastic to see the vision of the project coming together. The vibrancy throughout the quarter in recent weeks has been fantastic and it is vital that we continue to build on the improvements that have been made in the O’Connell Street area."
