Wexford Arts Centre official opening of new accessible extension.

Wexford Arts Centre’s official launch of its new all access extension will be held on Saturday 12th  November at 2pm. Mayor Maura Bell will host the ceremony with opening by Mr. Peter Burke, T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

There will be a number of activities open for all in the community to participate to celebrate the day. Young children are invited to participate in the Little Artists from age 4-12 drop in workshop from 12pm-1.30pm to create Op Party Hats for the celebration and at 3pm there will be the opening of the Dr. Billy Colfer A Celebration of his Life and Works in additional gallery space which will also be named in memory of the late Dr. Billy Colfer in recognition of his contribution to the establishment of Wexford Arts Centre and for his contribution to Wexford as artist, historian and teacher with interest in preserving local Wexford culture and heritage. At 4pm Michelle Dooley Mahon writer and performer of the international award winning The Scourge will read her commissioned essay “Opening Doors” in the theatre followed at 4.30pm by classical musician Beth McNinch performing a viola piece in new mezzanine as part of research into female viola composers from South East Venue Network (SEVN) bursary award. All welcome.

The new all access extension includes new all access entrance, lift and ramp to galleries and theatre and café. The design by ODKM architects complements the heritage of the existing building revealing the old stone wall and re-opening an original side entrance within the new lobby. The extension includes a new gallery, dressing rooms, development/workspace an upgraded facilities and access. The €3 million project was funded by Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for €1 million with €2 million match and project management from Wexford County Council. McKelan Construction from Bree where the main contractors on the project. “We are delighted to have the long awaited extension to provide access to all to our vibrant arts programme complete with thanks to support from the Department of Arts and Wexford County Council and all who campaigned and championed for this extension over many years” said Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director of Wexford Arts centre. “The launch of the Dr. Billy Colfer exhibition in the new Dr. Billy Colfer Gallery is also an apt exhibition to pay homage to a visionary who championed for the establishment of Wexford Arts Centre in 1974 and now the exhibition and new gallery in his memory can inspire future creative visionaries who visit and participate in programmes within the centre. Included in the future programme is an opportunity for youths to contribute to making and delivering new programme for youths in the centre through the Creative lab. Youths aged 15 plus are encouraged to follow up with expression of interest to take part by emailing boxoffice@wexfordartscentre.ie. A new Swing into the Afternoon Jazz and storytelling series will commence also on 29th November. Visit wexfordartscentre.ie for information on upcoming events, exhibitions and workshops.