Minister Dillon becomes honorary foundation patron of Mayo arts centre
Castlebar business and community leaders are invited to invest in the future of the arts in Mayo.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Alan Dillon TD has accepted an Honorary Foundation Patron award from The Linenhall Arts Centre, recognising his support for the role of culture and creativity in the social and economic life of County Mayo.
The award comes as The Linenhall launches its new Arts Patron Programme, an initiative designed to build long-term philanthropic and corporate support for one of Mayo’s leading cultural organisations.
Accepting the award, Minister Dillon said: “The Linenhall is an important part of Castlebar and Mayo’s cultural and community life. It creates opportunities for people of all ages to experience, participate in and enjoy the arts, while also making a real contribution to the vitality of the town. I am delighted to support the Linenhall as an Honorary Foundation Patron and to encourage the local business community to get behind this important new initiative.”
The Linenhall’s Director of Operations, Fiona Neary, said the new Patron Programme was about much more than fundraising. “The Linenhall belongs to the people of Mayo. Our Patron Programme gives businesses, individuals and organisations the opportunity to play a direct role in protecting and developing this vital cultural resource for the future.”
“We are particularly delighted to recognise Minister Dillon as an Honorary Foundation Patron. His support sends an important message about the value of culture to a thriving local economy and community. We hope other members of the business community will join him in investing in the future of The Linenhall.”
Patronage opportunities range from €250 to €5,000 annually, with support helping the Linenhall keep creativity accessible to communities across County Mayo, support artists and cultural activity, and develop new opportunities for participation.
The programme will be formally launched on Wednesday, September 16 at a special wine reception at The Linenhall Arts Centre marking Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The reception, hosted by the Linenhall in partnership with Castlebar Chamber, will welcome Her Excellency Ms Maaike van Koldam, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ireland, as Guest of Honour.
As part of the EU Presidency County Pairings Programme, Mayo has been paired with the Netherlands. The Ambassador will deliver the keynote address and officially launch The Linenhall’s Arts Patron Programme. The reception will bring together representatives from business, public life, local government, education and the arts, before guests attend Inter-Weave, The Linenhall’s flagship EU Presidency event.
Featuring renowned traditional artists Diarmaid Moynihan, Laoise Kelly, Tóla Custy and Emer Mayock, Inter-Weave will trace a musical map of Europe’s Atlantic fringe, journeying from the west coast of Ireland through Brittany, Galicia and Asturias. Guests attending the reception will be among the first to hear more about the Patron Programme and will have the opportunity to become Founding Arts Patrons.
Fiona Neary added: “We are inviting the business community to see patronage as an investment in Castlebar and Mayo — in creativity, community, talent and the quality of life that makes this a place where people want to live, work, visit and do business.”
Businesses and individuals interested in becoming Arts Patrons or attending the launch reception are invited to RSVP to The Linenhall Arts Centre.