Laois Chamber Alliance CEO, Caroline Hofman, recently caught up with Michelle de Forge, Director of Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise.
On our latest Business Briefing, Michelle speaks about the history of Laois’ theatre.
She also explains how 2024 will be a massive year for all involved as they will celebrate 25 years of business.
Can you tell us a bit about the history of the Dunamaise Arts Centre and when it was established?
The building is on the site of the Old County Gaol, built in 1789. Archaeological finds including skeletal remains, thought to predate the Gaol, were excavated during renovations.
The original and unusual hand carved masonry is still visible on the Church Street façade, and has inspired our brand-new logo.
Dunamaise Arts Centre was established in 1999 by Laois County Council in response to local demand for arts and cultural infrastructure and provision. The building is owned by the local authority.
Management and operations are run independently by a Company Limited by Guarantee, which has a voluntary Board and a staff team employed.
The venue was established with state-of-the-art facilities including a theatre, cinema, gallery, bar and café space, as the County Arts Centre.
How has the Dunamaise Arts Centre evolved and grown since its establishment?
Over our nearly 25-year history, Dunamaise has engaged local and regional artists to deliver a multifaceted programme of arts practice and development across performing and visual arts.
We work with Laois Arts Office and many other LCC departments, local agencies, groups and schools.
We are a member of the NASC Venues Network which supports high quality regional touring theatre across Ireland and are a member of Theatre Forum, VAI and other collegial arts bodies to best collaborate, advise and lobby for improvements in the arts sector.
We are annually funded by Laois County Council and the Arts Council, but we must generate twice as much more again, through ticket sales, fundraising and other revenue streams, to just keep the venue open, running smoothly and offering the best possible service and programme to our community year-round.
What is different and compelling about what you offer?
Coming to our gallery, cinema or theatre is a chance to escape life’s stresses for a while. Turn off your phone; explore, enjoy and be entertained, maybe even inspired, by great stories well told, music and art.
Coming together as an audience and experiencing a live performance together is an innately human connection that we missed so much during lockdown, and are so glad to have back available once again.
Many of our events are free, with group rates and community group subsidies available. There’s lots of well-known local performers and artists, as well as top professional touring work brought here to your local stage, with year-round offerings of film, theatre, music, exhibitions, hands on classes, community outreach art projects and lots more for all ages.
Do you have any news or future expansion plans you can share with us?
Despite the ongoing challenges of funding and resources, we are ambitious for the future of our artists and our audiences.
We have an exciting programme of events and projects to mark our 25th Anniversary in 2024, including fun fundraisers and business sponsorship opportunities we hope people across Laois will roll in on, as they always have done, to support Dunamaise and all we do here for the whole community.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
For anyone looking to work, visit, or invest in Laois, what would you say are the best things about being located here?
Brilliant, talented artists and creatives, and wide-ranging audiences interested in supporting them and exploring their ideas.
This reflects a wider, engaged community with a great sense of pride of place. Local clubs, societies and organisations committed to developing cultural life in Laois give anyone working, visiting or investing in Laois wonderful opportunities to get involved and enjoy a richer and more rounded life.
What is your favourite place to visit in Laois, and why?
Indoors, I have to vote for a brilliant theatre show or gig here in Dunamaise – phone off, focused only on the stage and the amazing talented performers – it’s a life affirming experience, feeds the soul and reinvigorates every time!
Outdoors, I’d say any of the fantastic mountain trails in the Slieve Blooms. Any time of year, an amenity area we’re so lucky to have so close to Portlaoise.
Visit www.dunamaise.ie to find out more.
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