Mission Statement
We believe that members of all ages in the Wexford community should have access to a contemporary arts programme to inspire, innovate and challenge the creative thought process. To support this belief, we deliver an arts programme of excellence for life and for all with emphasis on contemporary arts practice, participation and education and inspire creativity in the Wexford community.
How We do it.
Here are some of our main activities we deliver facilitated by qualified arts facilitators and administration:
- We host a year round programme of contemporary art exhibitions – free admission with educational free talks for the public
- We run workshops for all ages for toddlers and parents, school children, and adults
- We host vibrant events in theatre, music, comedy, and dance with after-school programmes
- We provide subsidised rental rates for various clubs in the county, including Picture House film Club, Occupational Therapy Group and Wexford Life Drawing Group
- We deliver Living Arts visual arts educational programme each year in different schools countywide in association with Wexford County Council
- We deliver exhibitions in Wexford County Council County Hall
- We provide an Emerging Visual Artist Award each year in association with Wexford County Council and Arts Council Ireland
- We support management of Presentation Centre Enniscorthy
- We support offsite programme in varied locations countywide
- We promote Wexford arts and culture on a local, regional, national and international level
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Our History
Wexford Arts Centre was established in 1974, and we are very proud to be the oldest regional arts centre in Ireland.
We are based in the historic listed Cornmarket building.
In 1772, Wexford Corporation purchased a piece of property from Mr. John Grogan of Johnstown Castle. Building of a market house commenced and was completed in 1776.
The lower windows of today were arched recesses for the traders, a reminder of its market house days. Inside was a magnificent ballroom and supper room.
The protestants of Wexford formed the Brunswick club here in 1882. The founder of the Methodists, John Wesley is said to have preached here and recorded in his journal that it was one of the best public rooms he had ever spoken in.
Following renovation, the assembly rooms as they were also known were popular venues for lectures and musical evenings well into this century and people such as Percy French, composer of “The Mountains of Mourne” among other popular songs appeared on a number of occasions.
It became the headquarters of Wexford Corporation in the early part of this century and was known as the Town Hall.
It opened its doors as the Wexford Arts Centre in 1974 and has been providing art and entertainment for native and visitor alike ever since. We are very thankful to all our supporters including main funding from Arts Council Ireland, Wexford County Council, Pobal and Wexford Local Development.
As well as a renovation of the existing building, work was recently completed by ODKM Architects including a part two/part three storey extension to the side which includes much needed access for all including lift to upper gallery and theatre space, a whole new accessible entrance and overhanging additional gallery space, workshop space, artist dressing rooms and upgraded facilities and storage space.
To support ongoing developments for Wexford Arts Centre.
You can support here by clicking Donate. Wexford arts centre is a registered charitable organisation CHY 16712.
