Irish Arts Center To Add Intimate Venue After Major Fundraising Milestone

HELL’S KITCHEN, NY — The Irish Arts Center has raised $36 million toward a $50 million goal to expand its original 51st Street home, its director said.

The latest boost came from Ireland’s government which announced a €3,000,000 (about $3,200,000) grant from the Departments of Culture, Communications and Sport and Foreign Affairs and Trade on Sept. 29.

Earlier this year, New York City committed $6,000,000 and New York State $3,500,000, according to the Center.

Phase Two follows the completion of Phase One in 2021, a 21,700-square-foot 11th Avenue facility with a flexible theater, cafe, studio and library spaces.

The 51st Street redevelopment will complete a two-building campus, adding a 75-seat flexible venue for one-night performances, emerging and established artists and smaller community events.

"This visionary partnership between the people of Ireland and New York has secured a permanent platform for Irish artists in the cultural capital of the world," Aidan Connolly, Executive Director, Irish Arts Center said.

"The second phase of this project will deliver a second, intimate, flexible space for Irish artists across a range of backgrounds, disciplines and practices—both established and emerging—for generations to come."

The building will also provide office and storage space for staff and visiting companies.

Founded in 1972, the Irish Arts Center is known for presenting theater, music, dance, literature, and other events celebrating Irish and Irish American culture.

"Art and culture have the power to break down barriers and bring us closer to our neighbors from around the world, something that drives the mission of the remarkable Irish Arts Center here in New York City," NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo said.

Construction on the new site is expected to start in early 2027 and finish in late 2028, the center's directors said.

The Irish Arts Center is located at 726 11th Ave. in Manhattan. For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.