Historic and joyous day as President Higgins officially opens Esker Arts Centre

ON what was a historic day for the town, President Michael D. Higgins, accompanied by his wife Sabina, officially opened the Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore today Tuesday June 6.

Described by Artistic Director, Sean Walsh as a joyous occasion, Mr Walsh said he was honoured to welcome the President and Mrs Higgins to the official opening of ''this fabulous facility.''

He also greeted the former Taoiseach Brian Cowen and his wife Mary, along with the Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Councillor Frank Moran and Anna Marie Delaney.

In his address, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Conor Brady said that, President Higgins was a man who had ''effectively shaped the artistic and cultural landscape of modern Ireland.''

''His vision and his determination in Government, as the State's first Minister for the Arts, have created a rich legacy, not least of which has been the development of centres such as this one, right around the State,'' he said.

Mr Brady went on to outline how a great many people had contributed to the creation of ''this magnificent centre.'' He explained how central government had allocated significant capital funding and he gave special thanks to former Taoiseach, Brian Cowen for this.

President Higgins said he was delighted to open what is a ''superb new community facility.''

''When I visited Tullamore in 2011, I had many things on my mind. I met members of the Tullamore Community Arts Centre and they spoke to me of their plans for a new centre and obviously the related fundraising programme. I promised to return to open the centre when it was completed. I'm so delighted to do that today,'' he said.

''I think there is something very significant about this centre. It's always a great challenge to refurbish a building,'' he commented.

The President noted that the building has the benefit of easy access adding that the facilities represent a ''major advancement of the arts in the Midlands.''

He named out its many features including a,128 seat auditorium, a performing arts space, an outdoor performing space, exhibition spaces which he remarked had great lighting, workshop spaces as well as a theatre cafe. ''This marks such a significant achievement for all involved,'' he said.

Always a champion of the Arts, President Higgins recalled a question being put to him during the course of an interview,''how will you feel when all these white elephants are empty. The reality is they are all overwhelmingly used,'' he stressed.

He went on to say it had been a privilege for him that throughout his public life he had the opportunity of highlighting and valuing the importance of the arts and culture as a source of enrichment in the day-to-day lives of communities.

''The commitment here in Esker Arts to a wide range of diverse arts programming and activity for local and wider communities with which to engage is so evident. I have no doubt that Esker Arts will play an important role in the provision of the cultural space that we so dearly need in Ireland as we continue our journey of building an inclusive, equitable, sustainable republic, one that places a high value on artists and cultural practitioners and the participation of the arts by all of its citizens,” he added.

The Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Councillor Frank Moran said:

''I can confirm that Esker Arts can hold its head high as it is already operating at levels of excellence consistent with the country's foremost artistic and cultural centres.''

Cllr Moran said the centre will 'showcase works by professional and community-based artists across disciplines of theatre, drama, visual arts, music, literature and workshop facilitation.''

Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive with Offaly County Council paid tribute to all those involved confirming that “Esker Arts is the culmination of many years of work by Offaly County Council,

Tullamore Community Arts Centre CLG and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht,

Sport, and Media” and applauding the wonderful support received from the local community.

“We are honoured that President Higgins extends his support to our artistic community in Offaly and beyond. Esker Arts will collaborate with the existing cultural infrastructure within the county, particularly Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, to develop initiatives, share resources, increase audiences and participation and raise the profile of Offaly nationally,'' she said.

Internationally recognised, locally based artist, Michelle O’Donnell of Glasshammer Studios, created a special glass plaque, based on the casting of an actual Esker from County Offaly, which President Higgins officially unveiled as part of the opening ceremony.

The speeches were followed by a concert featuring poet Cormac Lally, singer Tolu Makay, musician Donal Lunny and composer and musician Graham Henderson.

Cormac Lally made everyone laugh when he spoke of how appropriate the name Esker Arts was. ''This project started quite a while ago and it was a very slow moving beast. So I think it's a beautiful artistic irony that it's named after a glacier,'' he quipped, to the delight of the audience.

The concert was followed by sumptuous food which was enjoyed by the many invited guests