Hawk’s Well Theatre is a 340-seat venue in the heart of Sligo town which presents an extensive program of theatre, concerts, musicals, comedy, dance, family shows, talks and workshops year round.
Hawk’s Well Theatre Renovation
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Dara Mulvey Welcomes Step Forward in Hawk’s Well Theatre Renovation Project
Front Row from left
Jane Parsons, Acting General Manager, Cathaoirleach Councillor Dara Mulvey, Maeve McGowan, Acting Director. Back Row from left Trevor James, Rhatigan Architects, David Kiely, Jennings O'Donovon Structural and Civil Engineers, Keith Monaghan, Sligo County Council
Over the last decade the theatre has developed significantly into one of the busiest theatres in the country, funded by the Arts Council, Sligo County Council and the Department of Social Protection. As well as being a receiving house for professional and local productions, the Hawk’s Well team produce shows annually and work on a range of projects, initiatives and workshops to support local artists and to help local people fulfill their creative potential.
In February 2017 the theatre was awarded a capital grant of up to €550K by the Department of Arts towards renovating the theatre building. Fundraising is ongoing to match fund for a major capital redevelopment project. 39 years in operation has taken its toll on the building and renovation is urgently needed to address accessibility, flooding, capacity and comfort. The estimated cost of the planned improvements is €1.27million.
Pre Covid, the theatre was open 362 days a year and 15 hours a day on average, attracting audiences in excess of 50,000 annually.
During the pandemic while the building has been closed the team have been working remotely, focusing on initiatives to support artists and are continuing to program and present work online and to adapt performances and initiatives as guidelines change.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Dara Mulvey said:
“I am delighted that the design tender for this important renovation project has been awarded and to learn about all the work that is already underway. The Hawk’s Well Theatre is Sligo’s cultural gem. It is known across Ireland for high quality events and support of local theatre professionals. It is also a second home for our local amateur dramatic societies. If we value our culture, then we must also take steps to care for and invest in it for the benefit of all. The Departments support for the Hawk’s Well Theatre’s renovation project is very welcome and I very much look forward to seeing the successful conclusion of the project. There is no doubt that the Hawk’s Well is an asset for the county.”
As well as their own efforts, the theatre has secured two major capital grants; €550,000 from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and €105,000 from Sligo LEADER Partnership. Each grant stipulates that the theatre is required to provide match funding in order to access the funds. To date €340,000 had been fundraised by the Hawk’s Well, thanks to initiatives including the €1 Renovation fee and the generous support from the public. €250,000 in funding has also been provided from Sligo County Council.
The Hawk’s Well Theatre is encouraging businesses and individuals to donate to the fundraising effort. If you would like to support the Hawk’s Well theatre’s future by giving a donation or become a renovation patron, please contact Jane Parsons at jane@hawkswell.com visit www.hawkswell.com for details.