Dunamaise Arts Centre in Laois 'struggling to stay ahead in costs'

The Laois centre for arts and theatre has revealed that it is struggling to stay financially afloat amid increased pressures.

Dunamaise Arts Centre and Theatre manager Michelle de Forge has admitted that it is "recently struggling to stay ahead in costs".

She came to Laois County Council's March monthly meeting to outline their need for more funding.

She first outlined all the good work that the 26 year old arts centre in Portlaoise does, as a stopping point for many national touring performers, as well as a support for local Laois events.

Based in the old county Gaol in Portlaoise, the Dunamaise offers a theatre and cinema space, art gallery, bar and café which was recently reopened as the R32 bakery and coffee shop. The centre was developed because of local demand, with €1 million fundraised locally to open it, and the space provided on low cost lease by Laois County Council. 

Among its claims to fame, it was the stage where Hollywood actor Robert Sheehan first tread the boards, in the Laois Open Door group. He even donated his blue hoody from Love / Hate to the Dunmaise in thanks, now proudly framed in the foyer. He recently held his book launch in the venue.

These days it is busier than ever, Ms de Forge said.

"We host hundreds of teenage performers, all four secondary schools in Portlaoise do their musicals with us. We also have art classes, stage schools and gallery exhibitions. We give artists an opportunity to show their work in Portlaoise in a highly competitive sector, they get visited by buyers and art reviewers," Ms de Forge said. 

"We get inundated with requests by performers to tour here. We have a small team of staff to serve the whole county, with four full-time staff; myself, a technical manager, front of house manager and sales manager. 

"Since 2020, we have had a year on year increase in box office sales. We are an integral part of the Irish arts sector, as a leading venue. We are one of nine venues in NASC, so we can source more funding to tour high quality shows to get them around to regional Ireland. People find our events positive, life enhancing, sometimes transformational, they are both moved and entertained.

"We are a registered not-for-profit charity, the Laois Arts Company, with a volunteer board of directors, chaired by Clive Davis," the manager said.

She outlined the costs. 

"Laois County Council funds 18% of our costs. It was increased by €20,000 this year which was wonderful to €170,000. For many years it was €135,000. The Dunamaise team generate 51% with ticket sales and rental. We get an arts grant of 13% that is ringfenced for the arts.

"Additional funding is needed, additional staff to cover our goals and keep up with the pace of demand. More people want to perform. We have done trojan work to reduce our overheads, we converted to natural gas from oil, in collaboration with the SEAI and Laois County Council. 

"Despite all that, with years of having a small surplus in our audits, we are recently struggling to stay ahead in costs. We have ageing technical facilities. We need the appropriate maintenance to our historical building. We are appealing for the Dunamaise to be prioritised for investment. We are not to be forgotten among new facilities," Ms de Forge said.

"We need to replace our outdated technology and lighting. I can keep serving 60 to 70% of the costs but we need matched funding. 

"This increased investment will only improve the lives of your constituents. We encourage you to keep investing in us," she said, ending by inviting the Laois councillors on a backstage tour.

PICTURES: Grease is the musical by CBS students in Dunamaise theatre

Councillors praised the theatre's work, including Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming who is a board member.

"It is often packed out. Well done on 25 years, you have a massive programme of events, it is a great asset to Laois," he said.

Cllr James Kelly advised her to "knock on the door" of Laois County Council in September when the next year's budget is being drawn up.